The government is facing an estimated revenue loss of nearly Tk 50 lakh annually as three important hats (rural markets) in Sariakandi upazila of Bogura remain without leaseholders. Due to the absence of bidders at the government-fixed rates, the markets are now being managed through the “khas collection” system, where revenue is collected directly under government supervision. However, officials and locals say the collections are significantly lower than the actual lease value.
According to the upazila administration, Mathurapara, Jorgachha and Devdanga hats are usually leased out every year. But no bidder showed interest in taking the lease of Jorgachha Hat for the last two years, while Mathurapara and Devdanga hats also failed to attract bidders this year.
Officials said the lack of transparency and proper monitoring in the khas collection process is causing a major shortfall in government revenue.
In Bangla year 1432, the market was leased for Tk 18.75 lakh. Including VAT and taxes, the lessee paid around Tk 23.44 lakh to the government. However, no bidder participated in the tender process for 1433. As a result, revenue collection through khas management has remained very low since the beginning of Baishakh.
The market was leased for Tk 21.12 lakh in Bangla year 1431, while the total payment including VAT and taxes reached about Tk 26.40 lakh. Since then, no bidder has taken the lease for two consecutive years. In 1432, the government collected only Tk 1.60 lakh through khas management, causing a huge revenue gap.
Last year, the market was leased for Tk 2.12 lakh, but no bidder came forward this year. Revenue collection under khas management is also reported to be very low here.
Local sources estimate that the government is losing nearly Tk 26 lakh annually from Jorgachha Hat alone. Combined losses from the three markets are believed to be around Tk 50 lakh each year.
Traders and residents alleged that high government-fixed lease prices and the influence of local syndicates have discouraged bidders from participating in tenders.
Several traders said Mathurapara Hat earns significant revenue during the dry chilli harvesting season and Eid-ul-Azha cattle trading period. However, collections remain low during the rest of the year, making the lease price unattractive for many bidders.
They also claimed that private leaseholders usually collect more revenue through strict supervision, while khas collection often lacks accountability.
Karnibari Union Parishad Chairman Anwar Hossain Dipan said river navigability problems have reduced trader turnout at the markets. He added that lease prices remain high compared to the current market situation.
Bhelabari Union Parishad Chairman Shipon Mia said illegal temporary markets during Eid-ul-Azha are affecting Jorgachha Hat’s revenue potential. He suggested that stronger administrative measures could improve collections.
Kutubpur Union Parishad Chairman Sujan said this is the first time in recent years that major hats in the area failed to receive lease bids.
Kutubpur and Karnibari Union Tehsildar Mostafizur Rahman said khas collection activities are ongoing and reports are regularly submitted to the upazila administration.
Bhelabari Union Tehsildar Hannan acknowledged that revenue collection has declined compared to previous years but said efforts are being made to improve collections.
Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Sumaiya Ferdous said the administration cannot lease out markets below the government-fixed price. She added that tender processes are continuing while monitoring has been increased to improve revenue collection through khas management.
Local residents and former leaseholders fear that unless the leasing deadlock is resolved through a transparent and realistic tender process, government revenue losses in Sariakandi will continue to grow.
