Photo: BSS

NETROKONA, March 15, 2026 (BSS) - A festive atmosphere has gripped the 
district town of Netrokona as people flock to markets for last-minute 
shopping ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the greatest religious 
festivals of the Muslims.

Markets across the town are witnessing a surge in buyers, especially in the 
main commercial hub, Bara Bazar, which has become the central gathering point 
for shoppers. The town begins to bustle from around 9:00 am although many 
eager buyers arrive as early as 7:00 am to avoid the afternoon rush.

This year's Eid market has been buoyed by good paddy prices in the haor 
areas, bringing smiles to farmers and boosting their purchasing power. At the 
same time, the weather has remained pleasant following a hailstorm and 
rainfall in the district over the past two days, offering relief to shoppers 
observing fasts during the Holy month of Ramadan.

From morning until late afternoon, large crowds have been seen in major 
markets, smaller bazaars, and the Moktarpara area. Many buyers and sellers, 
spending long hours in the markets, have even been seen breaking their fast 
together.

Md. Shaon Chowdhury, owner of Seba Fashion in the market, said the shop has 
stocked clothing for people of all ages. "The Eid market largely depends on 
people's purchasing power. Sales are going well so far, and we expect them to 
reach our target by the night of the moon sighting," he said.

Tailor shops are also experiencing heavy demand. At Rekha Tailors, head 
artisan Himel Sarkar Apurba said they are struggling to complete orders in 
time. "Female customers are ordering clothes in various designs. We are 
working hard to deliver everything before the moon night so people can enjoy 
Eid," he said.

Ready-made garment stores such as Seba Fashion, Laskar Garments, Dhali 
Garments, Saha Garments, Medina Garments and Lily Garments are also 
witnessing significant foot traffic, with female buyers outnumbering male 
shoppers. Stores that allow bargaining are attracting more customers than 
fixed-price outlets.

Sumaiya Khanam, a university student from Mohanganj upazila, visited the 
district's big market with friends for Eid shopping. "There is a special joy 
in going around with friends and choosing clothes for Eid. This time I plan 
to buy cotton dresses, cosmetics and handbags," she added.

Didar Laskar, owner of Laskar Garments and general secretary of the Garments 
Owners Association, said sales this year have already surpassed those of 
previous years. "Alhamdulillah, we barely have time to rest from morning 
until late night. Since the 20th of Ramadan, the number of buyers has 
increased many times," he said. 

He also said that the dominance of imported Indian and Pakistani clothes has 
decreased, while demand for locally produced garments has grown 
significantly.

Rahman Plaza trader Sourav Chowdhury echoed similar views, saying local 
clothing items are selling well among customers of all ages.

Apart from clothing stores, shoe shops, jewellery outlets and cosmetics 
stores are also seeing heavy crowds. Shops selling caps, perfumes and prayer 
mats are attracting many devout Muslims preparing for Eid prayers.

Beauty parlours are experiencing a surge in clients as well. Syeda Nazneen 
Sultana Sweety, owner of Women's Style Parlor in the Arambagh area of the 
town, said many customers are taking beauty and grooming services ahead of 
Eid. "It is not enough just to buy clothes; people want to present themselves 
beautifully. We even plan to organize a Mehndi festival on the moon night," 
she said.

Meanwhile, the town's tailoring neighborhood is working around the clock. 
Popular Punjabi maker Milton Mia said demand has been so high that he stopped 
taking new orders after the 10th day of Ramadan. "We have around 500 Punjabi 
orders to complete. Our team is working day and night until Eid morning," he 
added.

To ensure smooth shopping and maintain law and order, the district 
administration and police have strengthened monitoring across markets. A 
preparatory meeting chaired by the Deputy Commissioner has already been held, 
while mobile courts are conducting regular drives to control prices. Traffic 
police are also working to ease congestion in busy market areas.

Didarul Alam Didar, director of the district Chamber of Commerce, said the 
overall situation is stable. "Law and order is good this year. With regular 
monitoring by the district administration, buyers can shop comfortably and 
traders are conducting business without any problems," he added.