|| Golam Mostofa, Sirajganj: Despite generating more than Tk 36.29 million in annual lease revenue, several government-owned markets in Tarash upazila of Sirajganj have seen little or no infrastructure development for over a decade, leaving traders, commuters and students struggling with deteriorating facilities and severe traffic congestion.At the heart of the crisis is the historic Binsara Hat, where fish trader Rahmat Ali has been doing business for four decades. Like many others, he continues to work under a dilapidated tin-roofed shed that offers little protection from rain or scorching heat and poses a constant risk of collapse.Another fish trader, Abdur Rahim, who inherited the profession from his father, said traders frequently suffer from illness after working in the open during bad weather and fear that the damaged roof could collapse at any time."Our only demand is that the government renovate the market. Binsara Hat and other major markets urgently need development," the traders said.The hardship extends beyond traders. Due to a shortage of market space, the paddy market is held directly on the Tarash–Ranihat regional road twice a week, effectively blocking traffic and causing hours-long congestion.Businessman Khalekuzzaman, who regularly travels to Bogura by motorcycle, said he remains stuck in traffic for hours every Sunday and Wednesday because trading takes place on the roadway.Local resident Maulana Md. Abdus Salam Usmani said he recently spent nearly one and a half hours in traffic and failed to reach his office on time. He urged the Upazila administration to relocate the paddy market and improve the market's infrastructure.According to official leasing records for Bangla year 1433, Tarash upazila has 29 government-managed markets under the Upazila Parishad. This year, the markets generated Tk 36,296,478 in lease revenue. However, local residents allege that virtually no significant development work has been carried out in the markets for more than 12 years.Binsara Hat leaseholder Md. Nurul Islam said nearly 1.75 bighas of market land are occupied by a pond. Filling the pond would create enough space to shift the paddy market off the regional road.Similar concerns have been raised at the larger Naoga Hat, one of the biggest livestock markets in the region.Leaseholder Md. Sumit Hasan Jillu said the market lacks adequate space, forcing livestock trading to spill over into the nearby college field every Thursday. He suggested filling another shallow pond adjacent to the market to expand trading space.Md. Belal Hossain Ansari, acting principal of Naoga Jindani Degree College, said weekly livestock trading disrupts academic activities."Hundreds of people gather at the college field on market day, making it difficult for students to move around. Classes are suspended every Thursday because of the market," he said.A recent on-site visit to Binsara Hat, Gulta Hat and Naoga Hat found inadequate drainage systems, poor sanitation, broken fish sheds and badly damaged internal roads. With insufficient permanent sheds, vegetable vendors are forced to trade in open areas exposed to the elements.The paddy market at Binsara Hat continues to occupy the regional highway, creating persistent traffic congestion and posing safety risks for commuters.Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Nusrat Jahan, who also chairs the local Market Management Committee, acknowledged the poor condition of the markets."I have personally visited the markets and witnessed the immense suffering of traders and buyers," she said.Sirajganj Deputy Commissioner Md. Aminul Islam said he has already instructed the UNO to undertake market development projects during the current fiscal year."I have directed the UNO to initiate the development work for the markets this fiscal year," the Deputy Commissioner said.