Md. Sakib from C’nawabganj
 
The growing popularity of smartphones and online news platforms has steadily reduced demand for printed newspapers, leaving newspaper hawkers in Chapainawabganj struggling with falling sales and shrinking incomes.
 
Many elderly vendors who have spent decades in the profession are now finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. With limited opportunities for alternative employment, some have no choice but to continue selling newspapers despite declining earnings.
 
There was a time when newspaper hawkers were a familiar sight in local markets, tea stalls and residential neighbourhoods. However, readers' habits have changed over the years, with many now relying on mobile phones to access breaking news and other updates online. As a result, sales of printed newspapers have declined, directly affecting the livelihoods of those who distribute them.
 
Newspaper vendor Md Ismail Hossain said his monthly income, which previously ranged between Tk 22,000 and Tk 25,000, has fallen to Tk 12,000–13,000.
 
He said he used to sell 200 to 250 copies a day, but now sells only 150 to 160.
 
Dilip Kumar, a veteran newspaper hawker in Chapainawabganj Sadar, has been in the profession for 41 years. Despite his advancing age, he leaves home at 6:00am every day to earn a living. He has to walk 10 to 12 kilometres daily to deliver newspapers to his customers.
 
Abdul Kader, another long-serving vendor, said many elderly hawkers have no alternative employment opportunities. Consequently, they are being forced to continue in the profession despite declining incomes.
 
Newspaper vendors deliver publications to homes, shops and various institutions across the district's five upazilas — Chapainawabganj Sadar, Shibganj, Gomostapur, Nachole and Bholahat.
 
Senior journalist Badiuzzaman Raja Babu said the decline in newspaper circulation has directly affected hawkers' earnings. However, they still have to spend almost the same amount of time and effort collecting, transporting and delivering newspapers to customers.
 
Abdur Razzak, a newspaper vendor in Shibganj, said newspapers used to sell quickly, but demand has fallen with the expansion of online news platforms.
 
The decline in sales and income has made it increasingly difficult for him to meet his family's expenses. Walking long distances has also become more challenging as he grows older. However, the lack of alternative sources of income has prevented him from leaving the profession.
 
People concerned with the newspaper trade say the expansion of digital media has transformed the market for printed newspapers. But the transition has also taken a toll on the livelihoods of people who have depended on newspaper distribution for decades.
 
They believe ensuring livelihood security and creating alternative employment opportunities for these workers have become increasingly important amid the changing media landscape.