Netrokona, July 28 (V7N) – Nazirganj Bazar, located in Sukari Union of Atpara Upazila in Netrokona district, covers an area of approximately 20 acres. It is one of the important trading hubs among the markets of Sukari Union and other parts of Atpara Upazila.

Watch Video: A historic jute market is vanishing. Nazirganj Bazar battles river erosion and time.

Local residents say that Nazirganj Bazar has been renowned for its jute trade since the British colonial period. The Bazar was established by the then landlord Rajendra Kishore Chowdhury of Gauripur. At its peak, the market used to trade about ten thousand maunds of jute daily. Jute was transported by boats through the river routes to various parts of the country, including Bhairab, Narayanganj, and Dhaka. Though the market no longer enjoys the same level of prosperity, wholesalers from across the country still come to purchase jute here. Due to good prices this year, jute farmers and traders are hopeful for better days ahead.

Nazirganj Bazar, which has stood for over a century on the banks of the Mogra River, is now gradually shrinking due to continuous river erosion during the monsoon season. The market loses land to the river every year, posing a serious threat to its existence. Business activities continue daily, with Wednesdays being particularly busy as the main market day.

Hundreds of small and large traders who depend on this market for their livelihoods live in constant fear as the river steadily erodes the land beneath the market. In addition, several riverside families face the risk of losing their homes.

The local community urgently demands necessary measures to protect and preserve this historic market before it vanishes completely.

END/ATN/SMA/