With the monsoon season approaching, the historic Atghar boat market on the Jhalakathi border is bustling with activity. In Bangladesh's riverine southern districts, boats become an everyday necessity during the rainy season. For local farmers, there is no alternative to boats for harvesting paddy, collecting guavas from flooded orchards, and transporting crops to market.
Abundant early rainfall has already filled the region’s rivers and canals, driving up both the demand and price for boats. Every market day, between 300 and 350 boats are sold at this 200-year-old trading hub. Boats are transported here from surrounding areas via trawlers and trucks, ultimately reaching buyers across coastal Barisal.
Buyers have noted that prices are noticeably higher this year. Sellers explain that manufacturing costs now range from 2,500 to 5,500 Tk depending on the boat's type and size, driven by rising craftsmen wages and material expenses. These boats are then sold for 3,500 to 6,000 Tk. Over a typical five-month monsoon season, an estimated 3 crore Tk worth of boats are traded here, making it the largest boat market in the southern region.
To support this vital local industry, Md. Al Amin, Officer of the Jhalakathi BSCIC Industrial City, stated that the government is prepared to help. He assured that local boat makers can apply for technical assistance and business loans through their office to sustain their craft.
