Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Feb 22, 2026 (BSS) – A festive atmosphere is prevailing on the main roads and alleys of Khulna city from the first day of Ramadan, as vendors set up stalls and hotels offer a wide range of Iftar items at nearly every intersection.

During a visit to the Pioneer Girls’ College Road area on Sunday afternoon, it was observed that traders began arranging their Iftar items soon after Zuhr prayers. The area came alive with vendors’ calls as customers started gathering from early afternoon, with the crowd steadily increasing as Iftar time approached.

Vendors were busy frying onion fritters, while others arranged beguni, potato chops, egg chops, and other varieties of Iftar. Although prices of essential goods have remained steady compared to previous days, shop owners said the cost of Iftar items has not changed significantly.

While various neighbourhoods across the city are selling traditional items such as chickpeas, potato chops, beguni, onion fritters, chicken fry, mutton kebab, halim, and jilapi, the Iftar market on South Central Road stands out for its wide range of offerings. Nearly a hundred different items are available there at varying prices, attracting fasting people.

Sazeeb, owner of the Iftar market, told BSS that they have received an overwhelming response from the first day of Ramadan. “Like every year, we have increased the number of Ramadan items. Popular items include reshmi kebab and shahi jilapi,” he said, expressing hope that the number of customers would grow further as Ramadan progresses.

Besides Khulna’s traditional Iftar hotspots, new bustling markets have emerged this year, including the Zia Hall premises at Shibbari Square, a lively hub in the city. Key market locations include Dakbangla intersection, Sonali Bank Square, Ferry Ghat intersection, Picture Palace, Power House, Moylapota, Shibbari, Shantidham, Boyra Bazar, and Gollamari Bridge areas.

Refreshing beverages are also a highlight of the markets. Various drink stalls at Dakbangla and Gollamari offer colorful drinks. Different types of falooda, including strawberry and mango flavors, are priced between Tk 80–120. Special lemon juice is available for Tk 20 per glass, while wood apple juice is sold for Tk 30 per glass. Gollamari reportedly offers slightly lower prices for Iftar items compared to other markets in the city.

Ferry Ghat intersection is one of the largest Iftar markets in the city. Shamim Ahmed, a private-sector employee from Sonadanga, visited the market to purchase hot and fresh shahi jilapi. He said, “Jilapi is one of our family’s favourite Iftar items. I usually buy it from here, but today I also picked up some haleem and chicken chops.”