Unopened Markets and Infrastructure Decay Cripple Sariakandi’s Historic Trade

Despite an investment of approximately 6.2 crore taka in 2022 to modernize the Sariakandi Municipality’s commercial infrastructure, three out of four newly constructed markets remain locked or non-functional. The delay has sparked widespread frustration among residents and local traders, who claim the historic "Sariakandi Hat"—once a premier trading hub in North Bengal—is facing an existential crisis.

Legal & Administrative Delays: A market adjacent to the public field is stalled due to litigation by former shop owners, while a two-story building in the market center awaits a formal transfer of ownership from the District Council to the Municipality.

Incomplete Projects: The "Covid-19 project" market near Muktijoddha Bhaban remains unallocated as construction is still 5% incomplete.

Poor Design: The only operational market (at Muktijoddha Mor) has been criticized by the Merchants' Association for having shops so small they are likened to "chicken coops," offering little utility to traders.

The lack of a designated, sheltered space has forced the market to overflow onto Thana Road and near the Upazila Land Office, causing severe traffic congestion and public suffering. Farmers from the char (river island) areas report that they are abandoning the market due to a lack of sheds, harassment at ferry ghats, and high toll rates.

While the municipality’s lease revenue increased from 35 lakh taka in 2022 to over 49 lakh taka this year, stakeholders argue that the quality of service has plummeted.

Municipal Assistant Engineer Md. Shahidul Islam acknowledged the hurdles but expressed optimism that legal issues and construction would be resolved soon. He stated that efforts are underway to recover encroached land and build modern sheds to alleviate the suffering of those visiting the market.