As the holy Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, people from all walks of life are busy shopping according to their means.
Besides shopping malls in the capital, footpath stalls have become a hub of Eid shopping. The footpaths around Baitul Mukarram are now so crowded that there's hardly any space to walk.
From morning till midnight, the area is abuzz with vendors' calls and customers' rushes. Lower—and middle-income people are flocking here to shop since prices are relatively lower than in large shopping malls.
A firsthand visit reveals that the footpaths at Baitul Mukarram’s north and south gates, Zero Point, the southern side of the GPO, and the eastern and northern sections are all teeming with people.
Shoppers are busy picking out gifts to bring joy to their loved ones. Among these areas, the busiest is the southern gate of Baitul Mukarram.
This area is known for selling Panjabis year-round, and for Eid, vendors have stocked up on new designs.
The market has expanded from the main road at the south gate up to the mosque’s entrance stairs. Although setting up stalls on the stairs is usually prohibited, this restriction has been relaxed for Eid, allowing for uninterrupted trade.
Over 500 shops set up for Eid
Business owners say that more than 200 new shops have been set up on the footpaths around Baitul Mukarram specifically for Eid. Apart from these, around 300 regular shops operate in the area. These shops sell men's and women's clothing, shoes, Panjabis, caps, children's clothes, toys, cosmetics, bags, and more.
At the southern gate, a customer named Mir Jewel said: “A Panjabi that normally costs Tk300 is now being sold for Tk500.”
Meanwhile, shops along the western wall offer newer Panjabi designs at slightly higher prices. Embroidered Panjabis are priced between Tk800 to 1,500, while simpler designs range from Tk600-700. Children's Panjabi-Pajama sets cost between Tk300-400.
The entire western-southern side of the GPO is filled with Panjabi shops, where vendors use loudspeakers to announce various price offers.
Men’s clothing section thrives
Along the northern gate of Baitul Mukarram, about 50 shops have been set up selling men’s shirts and pants. Vendors mention that while they operate year-round, their sales are usually average. However, they eagerly await Eid for better business.
Although sales were slow at the beginning of Ramadan, customer turnout has significantly increased after the 15th day of fasting.
Businessman Ahsan Habib said: “This section primarily sells men’s shirts and pants. Denim jeans are available for Tk300-500, while full-sleeve shirts range between Tk250-300. Similar items are also available in the western alley.”
Children’s clothing and footwear in demand
In front of the jewelry shops at Zero Point, stalls selling children's clothing have been set up. Beautifully designed frocks and pants for girls are available for Tk500-600, while shirts, pants, and vests for toddlers aged zero to two years are being sold at affordable prices.
The same section also features a variety of shoe shops selling footwear for men, women, and children at different price points. Stylish shoes in various sizes and designs are available for Tk700-1,200. Additionally, shoppers can find handbags, suitcases, wallets, fabric, burqas, and even kids' watches and sunglasses.
Mahfuza Begum, who came to buy shoes, said: “I prefer shopping in the Baitul Mukarram area over other footpaths. Here, I can find everything I need in one place. Even though it’s a footpath market, the quality of goods is somewhat better.”
Bag vendor Saju added: “Along with clothes, there’s a demand for new bags during Eid. We are hopeful for a successful business this year.”
