Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, March 13, 2026 (BSS) - Eid shopping has gathered momentum in Chattogram as people crowd markets and shopping centres across the port city ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr festival.

Markets and shopping malls are witnessing heavy footfall from morning until midnight as shoppers rush to buy clothes, shoes and other items for their families.

The increased number of buyers has also triggered traffic congestion in several busy areas including New Market, Chawkbazar, Probortok, Anderkillah, GEC Crossing, Lalkhan Bazar, Sholoshahar, Bahaddarhat, the CEPZ area and Agrabad.

Shopkeepers said sales have increased significantly with the progress of Ramadan, although some traders noted that the daily volume of sales is slightly lower than last year.

Golam Mostafa, general secretary of the Shopping Complex Shop Owners Association, said that after the 15th of Ramadan last year, average daily sales were around Tk 85,000, but this year the figure has declined to about Tk 70,000.

Jalal Uddin, member secretary of the city's Hawker Market, said Eid shopping surged after government and private sector employees received their festival bonuses.

Importers and wholesalers said a notable change in this year's Eid market is the growing presence of products made in Taiwan and Thailand. 

Traditionally, Indian and Chinese goods dominated the Eid shopping market in Bangladesh, but this year garments, three-piece outfits for women, shoes, cosmetics and children's items from Taiwan and Thailand are gaining popularity.

Indian outfits are being sold at prices ranging from Tk 5,000 to Tk 30,000, while both Indian and locally made saris are also in high demand.

Salamat Ali, president of Reazuddin Bazar Bonik Samity, said different varieties of saris including Silk, Katan and Tangail, along with Indian Kanjilal saris, are popular among buyers.

Premium items such as Bangalore silk, Silk Katan and Lehenga are being sold at prices ranging between Tk 8,000 and Tk 50,000.

Abdul Mannan, president of Teribazar Babsaye Samity, said Eid shopping has picked up significantly in the city's major clothing hub Teribazar, where buyers are thronging markets to purchase festive items.

He added that roadside footpath shops and small outlets are even more crowded than large shopping malls, while many temporary shops have appeared on pavements to cater to the Eid rush.

Prices of different fabrics, including cotton, silk and synthetic garments, have increased compared to last year, although markets remain well stocked with a wide variety of products.

Affluent customers are mainly visiting large shopping malls, while lower-income buyers are purchasing from footpath shops and smaller markets.

Traders said markets are well supplied with both foreign and local brands, offering a wide range of goods from luxury fashion items to everyday household products.

Popular Eid shopping destinations in the city include Mimi Super Market, Teribazar, Reazuddin Bazar, Amin Center, Sanmar Ocean City, Moti Tower and Chittagong Shopping Complex.

According to traffic department sources, the port city has been experiencing severe congestion since mid-Ramadan in areas such as New Market, Reazuddin Bazar, Jubilee Road, Station Road, Anderkillah, Chawkbazar, Sholoshahar, Nasirabad, Agrabad, Dewan Hat, Lalkhan Bazar and Bahaddarhat due to the surge in shoppers.

Traffic police are working to manage the increased vehicle movement in these areas.

Law enforcement agencies, including police and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), have also intensified patrols across the city to prevent incidents of mugging, snatching, eve-teasing and other crimes during the busy shopping period.