Dhaka Bustles with Last-Minute Eid Shopping Frenzy

With Eid-ul-Fitr approaching, Dhaka is buzzing with last-minute shopping as residents throng malls and markets to complete their purchases. Despite many holidaymakers having already left for their hometowns, markets remain packed from morning to night.

Shoppers navigating various malls and markets said the last-minute rush was less daunting than expected. Some left for their hometowns on Friday afternoon after a morning shopping spree, while others plan to depart on Saturday.

In addition to clothing stores, shops selling shoes, punjabis, cosmetics, and jewellery reported heavy footfalls. Sellers noted that last-minute shoppers were making quick purchases without much browsing.

Mouchak, Bashundhara City Shopping Complex, New Market, Chandni Chawk, Gauchhia, and other major markets were overcrowded. Salespeople struggled to manage the influx of buyers, many of whom were on their second round of Eid shopping.

Eight shoppers told BSS that they had done most of their shopping mid-Ramadan but returned for last-minute purchases.

Fashion outlets such as Aarong, Smartex, Richman, Sara, Deshi Dosh, Yellow, Sailor, Gentle Park, and Infinity at Bashundhara City Shopping Mall were packed with eager buyers.

Tomal Ahmed, a resident of Motijheel, was seen purchasing a panjabi at Bashundhara City. "I'm a last-minute shopper. I delayed shopping to avoid the traffic. Now that Dhaka is relatively calm, I came to make my purchases," he said.

Post-iftar, men and women were busy buying accessories such as jewellery, cosmetics, makeup items, and mehendi (henna) from various shops across the city.

"My hands look more beautiful with mehendi art. I love wearing it for any occasion," said Nazmun Nahar Tarin, a University of Asia Pacific student.