Photo : BSS

SUNAMGANJ, March 13, 2026 (BSS) - Shopping for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr has 
reached a fever pitch across Sunamganj, with the district town's major 
markets and shopping malls witnessing an unprecedented influx of buyers. 

From 10am until the late night, commercial centers are buzzing with activity 
as residents flock to secure festive attire. 

However, beneath the vibrant atmosphere lies a growing tension: while 
merchants claim that prices are actually much lower than the previous year 
due to import factors, consumers are voicing intense dissatisfaction, 
alleging that costs have nearly doubled, leaving many caught in a severe 
financial fix.

While visiting the local commercial hubs, BSS correspondent observed 
suffocating crowds at Surma Market, London Plaza, Doja Market, and Neja 
Plaza. 

The surge in shoppers has left many areas with virtually no room to stand, 
particularly in the narrow aisles of Middle Bazar. Despite the physical 
discomfort, the markets remain operational for extended hours to accommodate 
the rush. 

Local traders noted that while the season started slowly, the volume of 
customers has escalated sharply as Eid approaches, with a distinct preference 
for imported apparel dominating the current shopping trends.

The demand for festive collections is high, though buyers are increasingly 
expressing skepticism regarding the authenticity of fabrics, questioning 
whether the items sold are truly original quality. 

Farzana Akter, a shopper at Surma Market, told BSS that the market condition 
is dire due to exorbitant pricing. 

She highlighted that clothing sets previously priced between Taka 1,500 and 
Taka 2,000 last year are now being sold for Taka 4,000 to Taka 6,000. 

"It is nearly impossible to find a desirable outfit for less than Taka 5,000 
to Taka 6,000," she lamented, adding that such prices typically drop by half 
after the Eid season.

Pushpa, a student at Sunamganj Government Women's College, emphasized a lack 
of competitive pricing. 

After visiting multiple locations, she observed that shopkeepers are 
uniformly asking Taka 3,000 to Taka 5,000 for ready-made three-pieces, 
regardless of which market she visited. 

"The prices are the same across all markets," she noted, pointing to a lack 
of options for budget-conscious buyers.

Further illustrating the price hike, Tofazzul, a resident of the Wezkhali 
area, pointed out that a T-shirt and pants set he purchased for Taka 550 last 
year now costs Taka 850. This consistent rise across all segments has left 
many consumers feeling distressed and cornered by the sudden spike in the 
cost of living.

In response to these widespread grievances, the local authorities have 
increased market surveillance to prevent price gouging. 

Md. Amirul Islam Masud, assistant director of the Sunamganj District 
Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP), assured the 
public that the situation is being closely monitored.

"We are conducting regular raids across the markets," Masud told BSS.

He emphasized that the directorate would not hesitate to take immediate legal 
action against any retailers found to be overpricing goods, provided that 
evidence of such malpractice is established during their inspections.