Md Niamul Islam

Ashuganj’s VOC Ghat in Brahmanbaria, one of the largest rice trading hubs in the country’s eastern region, continues to operate without essential infrastructure despite handling around one lakh maunds of rice daily.

Farmers, traders and workers said the market lacks modern jetties, accommodation for traders, workers’ rest rooms and adequate sanitation facilities, causing persistent hardship and disrupting business operations.

Rice from at least seven districts, including Brahmanbaria, Kishoreganj, Sunamganj and Netrokona, is brought to the River Meghna port by boat, particularly from the haor upazilas of Nikli, Mithamoin and Itna. The market has been serving as a major trading centre for BR-28, BR-29 and coarse rice.

Around 250 rice mills have been established in and around Ashuganj, from where rice worth at least Tk10 crore is supplied daily to different parts of the country. The trade has created employment for thousands of people in paddy transportation, rice milling, warehousing and retail businesses.

However, traders said the absence of a modern jetty makes loading and unloading paddy difficult, while inadequate boat berthing facilities expose rice consignments to damage during storms and the monsoon. Boats are often forced to wait for hours on the river during adverse weather.

Workers bringing paddy from haor areas also face difficulties due to the lack of accommodation, forcing many to spend nights on boats without adequate food, sanitation or rest facilities.

Rice trader Ramzan Miah from Nikli said they transport thousands of maunds of rice to Ashuganj but receive only minimal facilities. He urged the authorities to construct a modern jetty and provide accommodation for traders.

Local resident Golam Hossain Ifti said developing adequate jetties and other infrastructure would expand the market, facilitate agricultural transportation, boost trade and strengthen both the local and national economy.

Ashuganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Rafe Mohammad Chara said initiatives would be taken to expand the trading area and develop the necessary infrastructure to ease the suffering of traders and workers.

He said the administration would discuss the issues with business leaders and take appropriate measures to address the problems.

Published Date: July 23, 2026