Century-Old Village Market Thrives Weekly

Nestled along the serene banks of the Kirtinasha River, Bhojeshwar Market in Naria Upazila, Shariatpur, has been a thriving hub of commerce for over a century, renowned particularly for its pigeon trade. Every Friday and Monday, buyers and sellers converge from far and wide, and the weekly turnover of pigeons alone reaches an impressive 30 to 40 lakh Bangladeshi taka.

The market offers a wide variety of pigeons, including local breeds as well as specialised varieties such as Giribaj, Siraji, Racing, Homer, Tippler, and Mayurpankhi. Prices vary significantly depending on age, appearance, and breed, with some pairs selling for up to 5,000 taka.

Bhojeshwar Market owes its origins to the British colonial era, when local landlords established it along the river to take advantage of easy riverine transport. Over time, the market became a prominent trading centre for both Shariatpur and Madaripur districts. While agricultural produce and household items remain staples, pigeon trade has been a continuous feature for more than 100 years.

Visitors come from Naria, Bhedarganj, and Sadar Upazilas in Shariatpur, as well as Kalkini, Sadar, and Shibchar Upazilas in Madaripur. Fridays are particularly busy, with activity peaking between dawn and early afternoon. In addition to pigeons, the market offers feed, cages, and equipment for pigeon rearing, catering to both hobbyists and professional breeders.

Nixon Khan, caretaker of the market, said, “Bhojeshwar is home to a wide range of products, from poultry, cattle, and fish to daily household goods. Yet it is the pigeon trade that draws the largest crowds. On Fridays and Mondays, weekly pigeon sales alone reach 30 to 40 lakh taka.”

One of the market’s veteran traders, Abdul Motaleb, 68, from Balakhana, Shariatpur Sadar, has been dealing in pigeons for 40 years. “This market is historic. Prices per pair range from 500 to 5,000 taka depending on the breed and age. I purchase pigeons from across the country and sell them here and elsewhere. This trade has supported my family and funded my children’s education,” he said.

Local students have also benefitted by starting pigeon farms, supplementing their education expenses. Rowshan Mahmud, a university student from Dinara, Naria, recalls, “I come to the market every Friday. I buy pigeons for my farm and occasionally sell them. My interest started in childhood, accompanying my father here. The farm now supports my studies and savings.”

Adjacent to the pigeon stalls are shops selling feed, medicines, cages, and other supplies. Vendor Selim Hawladar explained, “Some buyers cannot attend market days. For them, we keep a variety of pigeons available. Some buy for meat, others for breeding or hobby purposes. We cater to all types of customers.”

A snapshot of the Bhojeshwar Market pigeon trade:

With its century-long history, diverse pigeon breeds, and thriving weekly trade, Bhojeshwar Market continues to be a cornerstone of rural culture and commerce, drawing visitors from across districts.