A market for flood victims: Fish, chicken, 2 dozen eggs only at Tk1 per item
However, the actual market value of each customer's purchase is estimated to be around Tk800
Imagine buying 3 kg of rice, two dozen eggs, or even an entire fish or chicken—all for just 1 Taka each. While it sounds unbelievable, such a market has been organised by volunteer organisation Bidyanondo Foundation in Khagrachhari to support those affected by the recent floods.
On Wednesday morning, this unique market was set up on the grounds of Khagrachhari Cantonment School. Nearly 500 families affected by the floods came to collect essential goods.
Upon visiting the market, it was seen that 19 different types of goods were available, including rice, lentils, flour, oil, eggs, fish, chicken, and educational supplies. Shoppers could select up to seven types of products, with each item priced at only 1 Taka. So, according to the market value, they received around Tk800 worth of goods for just Tk7.
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These goods were sold to 500 families from remote areas of Khagrachari Sadar upazila, Dighinala, Panchhari, and Mahalchhari—an initiative designed to offer a sense of dignity to the flood-affected people, allowing them to purchase items rather than just receiving charity.
To ensure fair distribution, the Bidyanondo Foundation volunteers distributed tokens to the affected families, allowing only token holders to make purchases.
Khagrachhari Army Region Commander, Brigadier General Sharif Md Aman Hasan, officially inaugurated the market.
In his speech, he praised the various institutions that have stepped up to assist those affected by the floods, highlighting the Bidyanondo Foundation's ongoing efforts.
During the event, two flood-affected families received new homes, two families were given cattle, and three families were provided with supplies to start their own shops.
Jamal Uddin, director of Bidyanondo Foundation Board, expressed the organisation's commitment to empowering flood victims by allowing them to choose the products they need, deviating from the traditional relief distribution model.
He also indicated that the foundation would continue to implement such initiatives in the future.
