Where bamboo pays the bills for generations

Held twice weekly at Shahjibazar in Nurpur union -- now also called Sutang Bashirganj Bazar -- a market dating back nearly 400 years continues to generate an estimated Tk 15 crore in annual turnover, sustaining around 2,000 families across at least 15 neighbouring villages.

That is particularly true for two villages of Habiganj's Shayestaganj upazila -- Purasundha and Surabai.

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The market’s origins trace to Sufi saint Syed Shah Karar Fulshah Maghfur, who established it along the Sutang River banks centuries ago.

“Bamboo trading has been central to the market,” said Syed Gaziur Rahman, who introduces himself as a fifth-generation descendant of the saint.

Around 1,000 families directly cultivate bamboo, which requires minimal investment or labour. Different varieties including Baura, Bakhal, Makal and Jai grow naturally in abundance.

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Sohan Mia of Purasundha recently sold 750 pieces from his 30-acre grove for Tk 1.5 lakh. Others like Syed Md Russell earn supplementary income of around Tk 10,000 annually from smaller plots.

Trader Dulal Mia reports selling bamboo worth Tk 30,000 per market day, generating Tk 2,000-3,000 profit. Prices range from Tk 300-400 per piece, with some varieties fetching slightly less.

"Every haat day, profit is small, but it is regular. This market feeds many families like mine," he says.

Meanwhile, Milton Mia explains, "Whenever a family urgently needs money, they cut bamboo and bring it to the market."

The crop matures fully in four to five years, with new shoots regenerating naturally from roots requiring minimal care.

"It does not require investment, labour or special care," says Lechu Mia.

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For families like Husna Begum's from Surabai, bamboo provides critical support.

"When children's school fees or household expenses come up, bamboo is our support," she says. The groves also offer practical benefits -- shade, storm protection -- beyond economic value.

However, infrastructure challenges threaten future growth. Poor road conditions make transport dangerous, especially during rain.

"If the road is repaired, business will grow even more," says Bachchu Mia.

More critically, the Sutang River -- once vital for transporting goods -- is now almost dry.

"Boats used to come through the river. Now river-based transport has largely disappeared," says Nazrul Islam, who leased the market this year for Tk 30 lakh.

Despite constraints, buyers continue arriving from across Kishorganj, Habiganj, Sylhet division, and Brahmanbaria.

The market remains a rare example of sustainable, low-investment rural enterprise -- but one dependent on addressing infrastructure decay and water scarcity before it can fully realise its potential.