Bangladesh’s Minister of Commerce, Industry, Textiles and Jute, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, inaugurated the country’s first government-managed ‘Krishoker Hat’ in Sylhet on April 11, 2026. The initiative, jointly organized by the Sylhet District Administration and the Department of Agricultural Extension, aims to reduce middlemen’s influence, ensure fair prices for farmers, and provide consumers with safe and affordable food. The market, located near Tilagor Point, allows marginal farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers without intermediaries.

During the inauguration, the minister said the government is introducing new measures to bring transparency and balance to the market system. He noted that agricultural products often change hands multiple times before reaching consumers, causing unjustified price hikes. The ‘Krishoker Hat’ is expected to create a win-win situation for both farmers and consumers. The program will operate weekly under local administration supervision to prevent extortion or unexpected costs.

The minister also announced plans to digitize the supply chain from import to retail, strengthen the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh’s operations, and expand irrigation and canal re-excavation to boost agricultural production and market stability.