Rajshahi sidewalks bustle as Eid shoppers crowd markets for affordable festive clothing. Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, Mar 17, 2026 (BSS) - With the holy festival of Eid-ul-Fitr approaching, shopping in the divisional city of Rajshahi has taken on a festive atmosphere. 

Alongside large shopping malls and air-conditioned markets, temporary sidewalk shops across the city are witnessing an overwhelming rush of customers.
 
Sidewalks near Saheb Bazar, RDA Market, and New Market have become particularly lively with the presence of lower- and middle-income shoppers. 

From early morning until late at night, people continue to crowd these areas for Eid shopping.
 
A visit to different parts of the city shows that sidewalks on both sides of the roads-from Saheb Bazar Zero Point to Gonokpara, Railgate, Shiroil Bus Terminal, and Laxmipur intersection-are now lined with colorful clothing stalls. 

 The calls of vendors and the bargaining of buyers have turned the entire area into a bustling marketplace.
 
The crowd began increasing after the second week of Ramadan. People are moving from one stall to another in search of affordable clothing and accessories within their means.
 
Children's clothing is the most in-demand catagory in these sidewalk markets. Colorful frocks, lehengas, and Punjabi sets are available for children at prices ranging from Tk 350 to Tk 2,500. For men, stylish Punjabis, shirts, and jeans are being sold between Tk 500 and Tk 1,500.
 
There is also a noticeable crowd of women at stalls selling three-piece outfits, hijabs, scarves, and cosmetics. Many buyers say they prefer sidewalk markets because prices are comparatively affordable and there is room for bargaining, unlike in large shopping malls.
 
However, many shoppers complained that clothing prices have increased somewhat compared to last year.
 
Traders said customers continue to visit despite the intense daytime heat, but the crowd multiplies after the afternoon. Managing the rush becomes more difficult after iftar.
 
Siam, a sidewalk vendor outside RDA Market, said sales have increased significantly over the past few days following the payment of salaries and bonuses. 

"We hope this busy period will continue until Chand Raat," he added.
 
Meanwhile, to handle the increased pressure of shoppers and ensure smooth shopping, the Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) has taken special security measures.

 Traffic management has been strengthened in the Saheb Bazar and RDA Market areas to prevent congestion.
 
In addition to police patrols at key intersections, members of law enforcement are also monitoring the situation in plain clothes. 

Altogether, residents of Rajshahi are completing their Eid preparations in a festive and secure environment.