A worker collects romantic flowers in Savar near Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 2024. SALIM REZA/SOLENT NEWS
Editor's note: In this weekly feature China Daily gives voice to Asia and its people. The stories presented come mainly from the Asia News Network (ANN), of which China Daily is among its 20 leading titles.
As February unfolds, Bangladeshi capital Dhaka's flower markets blossom with life, celebrating three significant occasions: Pahela Falgun, the Bengali spring festival on Feb 14; Valentine's Day on Feb 14; and Ekushey February, observed as International Mother Language Day, on Feb 21.
Even before dawn, the air is filled with the scent of fresh blooms and a sense of excitement. From the shops at Shahbagh, a central neighborhood near Dhaka University, to the bustling stalls of Agargaon, an area adjacent to government offices and diplomatic zones in the city's northwest, these hubs of the city's floral trade offer everything from classic roses to exotic chrysanthemums.
By 3 am, the once-quiet spaces transform into vibrant scenes of activity. Whether for arrangements, celebrations, rituals, or simply to brighten someone's day, these early morning markets ensure that Dhaka awakens in a burst of rich, vivid colors.
"Roses, gladiolus, gerbera, chrysanthemum, calendula, tuberose, marigold, China rose and gypsy flowers are the most common. Marigolds and tuberoses are the most sold items all year round, but when it's Valentine's Day or Falgun — the days we wait for all year — nothing tops roses. Those days are the best days for our business," a shopkeeper says.
At the Shahbagh flower market, the streets turn into a red field as the temporary shops on the streets overflow with roses, looking like a red carpet welcoming the morning. As you step inside the market, the vibrant yellow marigolds instantly capture your attention. The sweet smell of tuberoses fills the air, mixing with the fresh scent of countless other flowers. You will find gerberas in vivid orange, red, pink, and white next to calendulas and chrysanthemums. Every corner looks like a garden in full bloom.
Mayer Doa Pushpalay, a shop in the market, stands out with its unique little flowers — button poms — wrapped in paper. Md Parvez Akbar from the shop says, "Button poms are not always in high demand, but when it comes to elegant decorations, they're much sought after. High-starred hotels often request them."
The shop displays button poms in different colors, including green, along with a variety of chrysanthemums, or as the locals call it "mums", making it a vibrant spot in the market. "These flowers were originally imported, but now we grow them right here in the country," Akbar says.
People buy flowers on the first day of the Bengali month of Falgun, which marks the start of the spring season, at a flower market in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Feb 14, 2024. MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP
From fields to markets
Samirul Islam, a rose farmer and seller with 14 years of experience in Birulia, says: "Wholesale market sellers buy flowers directly from farmers. If they can purchase them at a lower price, they can sell them at more affordable rates.
"The farmers sell their flowers and they're done for the day. But sometimes, like myself, the farmer can also be the seller. I pick the flowers myself, bring them on a pickup truck, and sell them directly at this temporary shop here at Shahbagh," he says.
Flower prices fluctuate significantly based on variety, quality, and seasonal demand. Md Mamunur Rashid of Mamun Phul Ghar flower shop, with 22 years in the business, details marigold pricing: "There are two types of marigolds — the yellow one, called basanti ganda, and the orange one, which we call lal ganda. The orange ones sell for 150 taka ($1.2) per string, while the yellow ones cost between 250 taka and 350 taka."
Roses show even greater price variation. Imrul from Mayer Doa flower shop says, "Generally, I sell roses at 200 taka for 100 pieces. However, during special occasions like the International Mother Language Day, the Rose Day, or Valentine's Day, the price can rise to as much as 2,000 taka per 100 pieces."
Md Wazed Ali, a 20-year veteran, recounts: "I started my business in Sadullapur, Birulia, then moved to Khamarbari. Later, the wholesale market moved from Khamarbari to Agargaon, probably 10 to 12 years back." He continues to specialize in roses, offering "50 pieces for just 50 taka", though prices increase during special occasions.
Shopkeepers look forward to special days like Valentine's Day, as sales on these occasions are significantly higher compared to regular days. However, Taslima, a shopkeeper, says that sales might be lower this year.
Despite the vibrant market, sellers face challenges. Sohan, a gerbera seller, says: "Due to the current situation in the country, sales are usually not very good on normal days. Even though we don't expect sales to be as high as before, we can still hope for a good turnout."
THE DAILY STAR, BANGLADESH
