Health hazards lurking in markets and public toilets

The capital’s Karwan Bazar is one of the largest wholesale and retail fresh produce markets in the country under the jurisdiction of Dhaka North City Corporation. Fish, meat, vegetables, eggs, and daily essentials arrive here from across the country, attracting wholesalers and buyers from dawn until late at night. But upon entering the market, one is confronted with an environment seemingly filled with countless sources of disease. Buyers and sellers alike expressed frustration over the negligence of the city corporation.

Entering the market through the area in front of Petrobangla, the Kitchen Market section comes into view. Rows of poultry and egg shops stand nearby, where chickens were being slaughtered and processed directly over open drains. The foul smell of feathers, blood, and waste spreads throughout the area, forcing shoppers to cover their noses while walking.

On the second floor of the Kitchen Market public toilet, conditions appeared extremely filthy and foul-smelling. Dirty water had accumulated on the floor, walls had turned dark with stains, and the unhygienic conditions made it difficult to remain there for long. Despite being a public facility, there was no separate arrangement for women, causing significant inconvenience to female shoppers.

Markets Sitting on Drains

Further inside, behind Kitchen Market and in front of the electronics market, another disturbing scene emerged. Many vendors had occupied roadsides and drains. Some sold vegetables from vans, others under umbrellas or on plastic sheets displaying fish and produce. As a result, roads within the market have narrowed significantly, leaving little space for pedestrians.

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The area was overwhelmed by a strong stench originating from accumulated garbage, rotten vegetables, and fish and meat waste. Narrow alleys behind the market and in front of the electronics section were clogged with garbage and dirty water, forcing people to walk through waste-covered paths beside temporary shops.

Vegetable vendor Selim Hossain said they used to face frequent eviction drives under previous administrations, but currently operate with fewer disruptions. He noted that the drainage system consists only of a narrow pipe, causing knee-deep waterlogging even during light rainfall.

He said city authorities have taken no meaningful initiative regarding waste management, resulting in fewer customers and declining business.

Another vendor, Babul Mia, said there is little concern about cleanliness and hygiene in the area, exposing traders to various illnesses. He also noted that a city corporation office once operated nearby but has since been removed.

Locals allege that many roadside shops lack legal permits yet continue occupying public spaces year after year.

Garbage Dumps on Roadsides

No designated waste disposal areas or dustbins were found inside the market. Near the Farmgate section, large piles of waste have accumulated beside fruit warehouses, Janata Tower, and an IT park.

Waste collector Md. Salam Mia said all types of market waste are dumped there. While city corporation vehicles occasionally remove some of it, most remains untouched.

Shopper Delowara Begum remarked that people have become accustomed to living amid waste and neglect, blaming city authorities for failing to take action.

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Many shoppers, including Aminul Islam and Selina Begum, said despite thousands visiting the market daily, little effort has been made to improve conditions. They called for quicker waste removal, drain cleaning, and stricter monitoring.

Although billions of taka in trade occur daily at this key market, effective measures to ensure hygienic conditions remain insufficient, causing continuous suffering for shoppers, vendors, and pedestrians.

Public Suffering Amid Foul Conditions

Another major market area in Mirpur-11 faces similar conditions. Thousands of buyers and sellers suffer daily due to poor sanitation, foul odors, waterlogging, and disorder.

Inspections showed temporary shops occupying roadsides, muddy market pathways, overflowing drains, and decaying waste spreading unbearable smells. Shopper Akram Rony said the fish and meat sections are nearly impossible to walk through because of the overwhelming odor.

Another customer, Md. Ikhlasur Rahman, said even light rainfall creates severe waterlogging, increasing both public suffering and health risks.

Poultry seller Taybur Rahman blamed irregular waste collection by city authorities for the worsening environment.

Unapproved Markets Operating Freely

Hundreds of unauthorized fresh markets reportedly operate across the capital without city corporation approval. Inspections of multiple locations found markets occupying roads, footpaths, and government land without visible action from authorities.

Areas including Uttara, Khilkhet, Jatrabari, Banani, Azimpur, Kaptan Bazar, Shyambazar, Malibagh, Moghbazar, Mohakhali, Mirpur, and Mohammadpur all displayed similar scenes of unregulated roadside markets.

In South Kuril’s Sheora Bazar and Mohakhali Arjatpara Market, waste is frequently dumped into drains, worsening waterlogging and traffic congestion.

Unhygienic Public Toilets Add to Misery

At the public toilet at Jatrabari intersection, the building appeared neglected and poorly maintained. Dirty stagnant water had accumulated beneath the stairs, while foul odors were noticeable even from a distance.

Inside, six toilets—three for men and three for women—lacked proper cleanliness. There were no tissues, soap, or adequate water facilities, and the interiors were even more unhygienic.

An employee at the ticket counter said the facility is leased out and generates little income, limiting maintenance efforts.

Users described the conditions as unbearable. A female visitor complained that there were no proper handwashing facilities and said the toilets were not women-friendly due to overcrowding and poor design.

A similar situation was found at another public toilet near the Sayedabad bus terminal, where weak sanitation facilities and severe cleanliness issues continue to cause suffering for users.

Source : Kaler Kantho