Feature: Eid shopping gains momentum in Bangladesh

With the holy Eid-ul-Fitr drawing near, Bangladesh's capital Dhaka city dwellers are extremely busy with shopping.

Roads to big shopping malls and terminals were clogged with vehicles. City markets, shopping centers are crowded from morning till midnight. The readymade garment shops and shoe stores are the ones drawing the most customers as people are busying buying holiday new clothes.

Many others were seen in New Market, one of the busiest markets in the capital, for commodities or gifts either for themselves or family members.

People from all walks of life are seen moving from one market to another to collect their items of choice. Makeshift shops on road pavements are also drawing a large number of buyers.

The buyers from affluent section are crowding big shopping centers like the New Market while the low- income people are seen purchasing their desired items from the Railway hawkers market and footpath shops in the town.

The sales of festival dresses and necessary items have gained momentum in two other markets -- Gausia and Chandi Chalk -- which are adjacent to the New Market in the city, where all classes of people, particularly the middle income group of people, go for shopping.

Shops selling saris, frocks, three pieces, Panjabi and baby wears are thronged by buyers.

"I have come here (Dhaka) from Dinajpur district (some 338 km northwest of capital Dhaka) for Eid shopping. I am very happy being here," said Labiba Zaman who came to the New Market with her elder sister and her brother in law.

Bashundhara City, a shopping mall in Dhaka's commercial Karwan Bazar area also saw a lot of customers on Thursday.

Ariya Tasneen, who came to Bashundhara City for shopping, told Xinhua that she had bought gifts for each of her family members.

She said, "I have already bought for my children. I've almost completed Eid shipping. Today I am here to buy a traditional shari for myself."

Safiqul Islam Sajib, in-charge at a outlet of Shadkalo, a brand with a unique concept that features designer clothing only in the monochrome colors of Black & White said, "Like previous years we worked on a new design."

He said , "Eid is something very special. We have already brought new dresses for men and women. This year we have introduced a geometric paneled design dress."

Customers are not only thronging clothing shops, but also visiting the outlets of mobile handsets in the market where almost all the leading global brands have their show rooms.

Aysha Akter Ema, a saleswoman at a outlet of Chinese Oppo mobile in the market, said "during Eid people buy many essentials. Since mobile is like an essential items needed to celebrate Eid, many are coming to buy new handsets."

Eid is not only a holiday for shopping, but also a holiday for family reunion.

According to estimation, around 5 million people from Dhaka will celebrate the holiday in their hometown.

The Muslim majority Bangladesh will celebrate the Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the biggest religious festivals celebrated after Ramadan, on or around July 18 or 19 based on sight ability of new moon. Endi