Winter vegetables have begun flooding the Bogura markets, but consumers are yet to see any relief in prices. Low supply has pushed up the cost of almost all vegetables, with items like brinjal and pointed gourd seeing week-on-week increases of Tk 5 to Tk 20 per kg. Onion prices show no sign of easing, while green chilies continue to get hotter — both in taste and price. The steady rise in essential commodity prices has left buyers frustrated, prompting them to demand stricter market monitoring and increased supply.
A visit to several markets in Bogura revealed that although winter vegetable season began about a month ago — and early-season produce is already on sale — prices have been fluctuating almost daily. Weekend demand has further driven up prices amidst limited supply. Compared to last week, prices of nearly all vegetables have increased by Tk 5–20 per kg, with brinjal and pointed gourd seeing the sharpest hikes due to reduced supply.
Brinjal is selling in Bogura markets at Tk 60 to Tk 140 per kilogram. Pointed gourd is being sold at Tk 60 per kg. Cauliflower is priced between Tk 50 and Tk 70 per kg. Radish is selling for Tk 30 to Tk 40 per kg.
Bitter gourd is priced at Tk 80 per kg.Hyacinth bean is selling between Tk 100 and Tk 160 per kg.
Papaya is available at Tk 30 per kg. Ridge gourd is being sold at Tk 50 per kg. Arum stalk is priced at Tk 40 per kg. Bottle gourd is available at Tk 40 per kg. Onion is selling at Tk 100 per kg. Green chilies are priced between Tk 120 and Tk 140 per kg. Potatoes are being sold at Tk 20 to Tk 22 per kg.
Low-income consumers say they are struggling to cope with rising food prices. Many expressed frustration over the cost hike during the winter season, urging the authorities to intensify market surveillance.
Bimal Chandra, a daily wage earner visiting Rajabazar on Friday, said, “We live hand to mouth. Earning Tk 500 a day and coming to the market is disheartening — everything is expensive. If prices keep rising like this, our suffering will only deepen.”
Golam Kabir, an employee of a private organization, echoed similar concerns: “Coming to the market on weekends is overwhelming. Prices of nearly all items go up.”
Perimal Prasad Raj, advisor to the Rajabazar Traders and Aratdars Association in Bogura, said the supply of winter vegetables has not yet increased despite the season having begun. “Supply is low compared to demand. Prices will come down once supply improves,” he added.
