Manikganj Town Bazar faces sanitation crisis

MANIKGANJ, May 26: Town Bazar of Manikganj Municipality is one of the busiest and largest commercial hubs in the district where thousands of people come every day to shop.

However, poor sanitation and drainage have become major concerns for traders and customers.

The market having 500 shops and over 2,000 employees is facing a huge sanitation crisis due to only two public toilets, both closed for over six months, and three non-functional urinals.

As a result, many are forced to defecate and urinate in nearby open spaces, severely affecting the environment and hygiene. The market's drainage system is in a sorry state. Even rainfall causes waterlogging making it difficult and disrupting business.

Rahim Mia, a local trader, said, "Water accumulates in front of our shops during rains, disrupting business. The municipality has taken no steps to this effect."

Abdul Majid, a businessman in the market, has expressed deeper concerns, saying: "Earlier, things were better. Now, there are no toilets, broken drains, and no fire safety measures. If a fire breaks out, we'll be helpless."

Sushanta Kumar, owner of Ma Varieties Store, said, "We stay here from morning till night. But with the toilets closed for six months, it's complicated. We have to go outside to find a place."

Another trader, Abdul Jalil, said, "The urinals are broken, and there's no water supply. If this continues, customers will stop coming."

Jannat Ara, a regular customer, said, "The market is very filthy, and there is no toilet. This is challenging for women and children."

Another shopper, Ashraful Islam Khokon, said, "It's shocking that such a big market lacks toilets and proper drainage. It's a huge inconvenience."

Dr Md Arifur Rahman, a specialist general and laparoscopic surgeon at Manikganj 250-bed hospital, said, "Holding urine or stool for long periods can lead to kidney issues or urinary tract infections. A proper sanitation system is essential for the market."

When contacted, Sanjida Jesmin, administrator of Manikganj Municipality, said, "We're working to resolve the market's issues. The public toilets will be reopened very soon."

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