In a welcome turn of events for local households, the prices of domestic onions and garlic have seen a sharp decline within the space of just three days at the Hili Port Market in Dinajpur. Traders attribute this downward trend to a robust increase in supply from various wholesale hubs (mokams), providing much-needed financial respite to consumers as the holy month of Ramadan progresses.
Significant Price Shifts
A market survey conducted on Tuesday afternoon, 24 February, revealed that the price of domestic onions has plummeted by 15 BDT per kilogram, now retailing at a modest 30 BDT. Similarly, the price of domestic garlic has witnessed a dramatic drop, falling from previous highs to settle at 70 BDT per kilogram. While staples like ginger remain steady, the overall cooling of the vegetable market has been met with enthusiasm by the general public.
| Commodity | Previous Price (per kg) | Current Price (per kg) | Price Decrease |
| Domestic Onion | 45 BDT | 28 – 30 BDT | 15 BDT |
| Domestic Garlic | 100 – 120 BDT | 70 BDT | 30 – 50 BDT |
| Ginger | 110 – 120 BDT | 110 – 120 BDT | Stable |
| Potatoes | High | Decreasing | Marginal |
Voices from the Market
Rafiqul, a regular shopper at the Hili bazaar, expressed his satisfaction with the current price levels. “Regular market monitoring by the authorities seems to be yielding results,” he noted. “Last week, I had to pay 45 BDT for onions; today, I found them for 30 BDT. If the administration keeps the market under control during Ramadan, it makes life significantly easier for ordinary citizens.”
However, retailers such as Raihan Kabir highlight a different challenge: despite the lower prices, footfall remains unexpectedly thin. Kabir suggested that while the supply increase is the primary driver of lower costs, the authorities should shift their focus. “The administration often raids retail shops, but if they conducted regular drives at the larger wholesale hubs (mokams), the prices of essential goods would drop even further,” he remarked.
Administrative Vigilance
The Hakimpur Upazila Administration remains proactive in its efforts to prevent price gouging. Ashok Bikram Chakma, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), confirmed that field operations are ongoing to ensure no dishonest trader can create an artificial crisis through hoarding.
The administration has already conducted several mobile courts, resulting in fines for non-compliant vendors. “Our team is working tirelessly to maintain a stable supply chain,” the UNO stated, affirming that these public-interest operations will continue throughout the month to protect the purchasing power of the community.