Summary:
- Khulna tea vendor Iqbal sells iftar items for 1 taka each during Ramadan at his Iqbal Hotel and Restaurant
- Initiative attracts large crowds, with sales reaching 8,000 taka on the second day of Ramadan
- Local volunteers assist in preparation and sales, incurring a daily subsidy of 1,800 to 2,000 taka
- Project benefits low-income workers and has been running for 18-19 years with growing community support
Iqbal, a tea vendor in Maheshwarpasha, Khulna, has sparked local interest by selling iftar items for just 1 taka each during Ramadan. Operating from his Iqbal Hotel and Restaurant, the initiative has attracted a surge of customers seeking affordable breaking-of-fast meals.
For nearly 24 years, Iqbal has run his tea stall in the area. However, during Ramadan, he transforms his business to offer deeply discounted iftar items. “I do this out of social responsibility,” Iqbal told reporters. His menu includes beguni (eggplant fritters), alur chop (potato cakes), peyaju (onion fritters), and morich chop (chili fritters) – all priced at 1 taka per piece.
The initiative has gained traction since its inception. On the first day of Ramadan this year, Iqbal sold 7,000 taka worth of iftar items. By the second day, sales increased to 8,000 taka. Preparation begins after the Zuhr prayer, with sales starting at 4 PM daily.
Local volunteers now assist Iqbal, handling both food preparation and sales. Mohammad Parbat, a local businessman supporting the effort, noted that they incur a daily subsidy of 1,800 to 2,000 taka to maintain the low prices.
The impact on the community has been significant. Masum Billah, a local school teacher, and Aminul Haq Tinku, a businessman, highlighted how the initiative benefits rickshaw pullers, van drivers, and laborers who might otherwise struggle to afford iftar.
Iqbal acknowledges the financial loss but finds satisfaction in serving the community. “I do business for 11 months, and for one month during Ramadan, I serve the fasting people,” he explained. The project has been running for 18-19 years, with growing support from local businesses and professionals.
While some neighboring shops have seen a decline in sales due to Iqbal’s initiative, he remains committed to his social cause. Nearby stores typically sell similar items for 5 taka each.
Despite facing some criticism, Iqbal continues his efforts, emphasizing that the 1 taka price applies to all customers, regardless of their economic status. Last Ramadan, he reported a subsidy of 55,000 taka for the month-long initiative.
The story of Iqbal’s 1 taka iftar items highlights a unique blend of community service and entrepreneurship during the holy month of Ramadan in Khulna, Bangladesh.
