Crowds surge in Habiganj markets as shoppers buy Eid clothes, traders expect higher sales. Photo : BSS

By Mohammad Nur Uddin

HABIGANJ, Mar 16, 2026 (BSS) - With the holy Eid-ul-Fitr approaching, shopping centers and markets across the district have become vibrant with crowds of eager buyers. 

From morning until late at night, people of all ages are thronging shopping malls and markets to purchase clothes, shoes, and cosmetics for the upcoming festival.

A visit to some of the town's popular markets, including Ghatia Bazaar, revealed heavy crowds at major clothing stores such as SD Store, Shankar Bastalaya, SD Plaza, Manihari Bastalaya, Al Noor Cloth Store, and Madhumita. Shopkeepers have arranged stalls featuring a wide range of colorful and stylish garments to attract buyers, while shoppers move from one store to another searching for their preferred outfits.

This year, organza and pushpa-designed dresses have become particularly popular among young women. Rajshahi silk, cotton fabrics, and trendy three-piece sets are also in high demand. Young men are showing strong preference for Aarong-style and cotton Punjabi outfits suitable for the summer season.

According to shop owners, various styles of clothing for women and children are available in the markets. Among the most sought-after items are organza and pushpa three-piece sets, Afghan dresses, long three-piece outfits, katan sarees, Indian Dalia dresses, and party wear. 

Traders said that the number of buyers this year appears higher than last year, and sales are expected to increase further in the coming days.

Shopping activities usually begin in full swing from the 15th day of Ramadan. Traders believe that the busiest period will be the final four to five days before Eid, when employees and low-income families complete their shopping after receiving salaries and Eid bonuses.

Prices of dresses vary widely depending on design and fabric. Dresses for young women are being sold at prices ranging from Taka 3,500 to Taka 6,000 or Taka 7,000. Among sarees, Muslim katan sarees are priced between Taka 4,000 and Taka 5,000, while Kameez Baran ranges from Taka 5,000 to Taka 6,000 and Meghdoot sarees from Taka 3,000 to Taka 4,000. Pure Bengali sarees are selling between Taka 8,000 and Taka 12,000.

Meanwhile, Dalia dresses for girls are available from Taka 3,000 to Taka 10,000 per piece. Various three-piece sets are priced between Taka 2,000 and Taka 5,000 in katan and silk fabrics. Four-piece kameez sets range from Taka 1,600 to Taka 3,000, while party dresses and designer outfits can cost between Taka 4,000 and Taka 15,000 depending on style and fabric.

Children's clothing is also attracting considerable attention. Long frocks and party frocks are popular among girls, while lehengas and long kameez have newly appeared in the market this season. For boys, cotton T-shirts, and stylish pants are in high demand due to the hot weather.

Currently, most buyers in the markets are women and young people. Many parents are also visiting markets with their children to purchase outfits according to their preferences. However, opinions about clothing prices remain mixed. While traders claim that prices are slightly lower compared to previous years, many buyers believe that prices have increased significantly.

Buyer Ariful said the prices of clothes appear slightly higher this year compared to last year, though many attractive designs have arrived in the market. "We are shopping for all family members," he added.

Another buyer, Merin Akhter, said women's clothing is usually more expensive than men's clothing, and this year is no exception. "We are shopping now, and if we find what we like, we will complete our purchases within two days," she said.

Trader Zakaria said that most shopping typically takes place in the last four to five days of Ramadan, but this year business has already been better than last year. Another trader, Arif Mia, said new designs of pants and T-shirts for boys have arrived in the market and are attracting buyers.

To ensure safe shopping during the busy Eid season, additional law enforcement personnel have been deployed in the markets. Habiganj Superintendent of Police Yasmin Akhter said security has been strengthened so that shoppers can visit markets without any inconvenience. 

She added that law enforcement agencies are maintaining strict surveillance to prevent any criminal activity.