Rangpur: Since the first day of the holy month of Ramadan, the Iftar market in Rangpur city has become bustling with a huge sale of various types of delicious and attractive food items, combining tradition and modernity. Since noon, vendors have been setting up various dishes with a mix of tradition and modernity in front of the reputed restaurants, hotels, and the alleys and main roads of the city. Sales are also going well everywhere and sellers and buyers are seen happy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, as always, the traditional and varied Iftar includes Shahi Jilapi, Potato Chop, Chicken Roll, Mama Halim, Boot Biryani, Chicken Haleem, Muscat Halwa, Daibra, Falooda, Patabra, Patisapta Pitha, Chicken Fry, Matha, Borhani, Vegetable Roll, Nimkapara, Nimki, Dim Chop, Shak Flori, Beef Toast, Chicken Toast, Jali Kebab, Mutton Shashlik, Shami Kebab, Tika Kebab, Chicken Chop, Chicken Tandoori, Reshmi Jilapi, Chanar Polao, Mutton Rejala, Mutton Kebab, Piyaju and Beguni, along with at least fifty other dishes.
A visit to the city’s Kachari Bazar, Jahaz Company Intersection, Paira Chattar, DC Mour, City Bazar, Medical Intersection, Parker Mour, Modern Mour, CO Bazar, Central Bus Terminal, Shapla Square, Lalbag Bazar and many other areas shows a huge crowd of shoppers. The aroma of various Kebabs fills the surroundings. A liter of Mama Haleem is being sold for Taka 140 to Taka 150, half a liter for Taka 70 to Taka 80, Shahi Jilapi for Taka 20 to Taka 50 per piece, and other popular items like Bundia, Patisapta Pitha, and Chicken Grill are also available at specific prices.
Talking to BSS this afternoon, a number of traders said that the prices of Iftar items have not increased much this year compared to last year. Environmental expert Dr. Mamunur Rashid, who came to buy Iftar at Kachari Bazar, mentioned that although prices seem a bit high, the tradition compels him to partake in the market’s offerings, especially Jilapi and Haleem.
Associate Professor Fazlul Haque expressed his preference for Mezban’s Haleem, citing its health benefits and affordability. Seller Tonmoy Hossain at New Bagdad Hotel and Restaurant noted the interest in covered or packaged food, indicating good sales this year.
Abdul Khaleque of Mouban Confectionery affirmed the steady demand and consistent pricing of Iftar items. Proprietor Rocky of Mohua Confectionery highlighted the high demand for Mama Haleem, which is prepared with a variety of spices and pulses.
Umar Siddique, a ‘Matha’ vendor, shared the popularity of his product made with milk, sugar, sour curd, salt, and cardamom, selling 30-35 liters daily at competitive prices.