Near the bustling railway tracks of Tejkunipara, a different rhythm of life unfolds daily at Fokinni Bazar. This modest kitchen market, unassuming in appearance but extraordinary in purpose, serves as a lifeline for the city’s less privileged — from day labourers to garment workers. It’s a place where even the smallest of budgets can stretch to ensure a meal for the family.
“You can even buy grocery items worth Tk 10,” says Md Elias, a chicken trader at the market for three years. “Sometimes, people cannot afford a whole chicken; they buy gizzards or livers. Even cooking oil or lentils are available in Tk 10 or Tk 20 portions.”
A Haven for the Budget-Conscious
Fokinni Bazar is built on inclusivity, welcoming buyers with budgets as low as Tk 10. Here, families can walk away with a handful of vegetables, a piece of fish, or even a spoonful of oil — small portions that ensure no one feels excluded.
The sense of community is palpable. Vendors, many of whom face similar struggles, often show compassion, offering a little extra to regular buyers or familiar faces. Shahana Begum, a vendor who has been selling at the market for a year, reflects this ethos: “These vegetables may not look good, but they cook just fine. My customers know that.”
Turning Waste Into Worth
The market’s defining feature is its inventory of salvaged goods. Vendors scour larger markets, collecting produce deemed unsuitable for upscale buyers — bruised tomatoes, wilted greens, or broken eggs. These discarded items become treasures for the shoppers of Fokinni Bazar.
“We pick up what others throw away,” Begum shares. “For us, every piece of vegetable matters. No one here feels shame in buying them.”
This approach not only makes essential items affordable but also combats food waste. It’s a practical solution embraced by buyers who value nourishment over aesthetics.
Life Along the Tracks
Fokinni Bazar operates along the railway tracks, its precarious location mirroring the unstable lives of its patrons. Vendors and buyers must pause multiple times daily as trains thunder through, temporarily clearing the tracks before resuming their activities.
The risks are clear, but for those who rely on the market, relocating is not an option. The tracks are both a convenience and a necessity, a lifeline and a tightrope.
Resilience Amid Adversity
The vendors of Fokinni Bazar are the unsung heroes of this ecosystem. Many are women juggling caregiving responsibilities and breadwinning roles. They rise before dawn, source their goods from across the city, and endure harsh weather to make a modest living.
“For us, nothing goes to waste,” Begum remarks. “Every piece of produce has value here.”
A Small Market with a Big Impact
In the grand mosaic of Dhaka’s urban life, Fokinni Bazar is a tiny yet vital piece. It feeds bodies and spirits alike, proving that dignity and survival can thrive amidst adversity. Here, every Tk 10 carries immense value, embodying resilience, community, and hope.
