SIRAJGANJ, Mar 16: As Eid approaches, Sirajganj's traditional textile haats have come alive with a last-minute rush of local and foreign buyers.
The bustling markets, including Shahjadpur Haat near Rabindra Kachari Bari, Sohagpur Haat in Belkuchi, and Enayetpur Haat in Chauhali, are witnessing a surge in trade. Inside large warehouses, small stalls are neatly arranged, with sellers calling out prices, buyers negotiating, and stacks of fabric filling the space.
Shahjadpur Haat, the district's largest textile market, typically records transactions worth Tk 200-250 crore during regular periods. However, during the Eid season, trade volume rises to Tk 650-700 crore. Similarly, Sohagpur Haat sees around Tk 250 crore in transactions, while Enayetpur Haat records approximately Tk 300 crore, according to local sources.
Haji Firoz Alam, owner of Firoz Textile in Shahjadpur, said Indian buyers are his biggest customers. "Pakistani buyers come occasionally, but in small numbers. Most buyers come from Chittagong, Dhaka, Rangpur, and Natore. Previously, cash transactions were common, but now most deals are conducted through banks," he added.
Indian buyer Deepak Saha, who owns a sari and lungi store in West Bengal, said he visits Shahjadpur Haat every two months to buy textiles wholesale. "Saris and lungis are produced in India too, but prices are higher there. Bangladesh offers the same items at much lower rates, which is why I come here," he explained.
Helal Uddin, leaseholder of Sohagpur Haat in Belkuchi, said both domestic and foreign wholesale buyers are arriving, and new designs of saris, lungis, and three-piece outfits have been brought in to meet demand. He expects strong sales this season.
Chittagong businessman Motaleb Sheikh noted, "Sirajganj's saris and lungis are in high demand in Chittagong. We bring stock every month and sell them at our showrooms. During Eid, we visit three to four times a month. Trustworthy buyers sometimes make deals worth crores, even on credit."
Abdul Halim, a lungi trader, said the region's handloom textiles are renowned nationwide. "During Eid, trade in local haats nearly triples compared to normal periods. Buyers from across the country and abroad are purchasing saris, lungis, thin fabrics, and three-piece outfits at wholesale prices," he added.
Almas Uddin, president of Shahjadpur Haat Owners Association, confirmed the Eid rush: "Normally, transactions at Shahjadpur Haat reach Tk 200-250 crore, but during Eid, it rises to about Tk 700 crore, making it the largest textile market in the country."
Sirajganj Chamber President Saidur Rahman Bacchu said the district is famous for handloom textiles and hosts several large haats. "While trade continues throughout the year, festivals like Eid and the Bengali New Year push transactions to nearly Tk 1,500 crore. We have coordinated with local administration and police to ensure a smooth, harassment-free environment for buyers and sellers. Preserving this traditional handloom industry is essential for sustaining rural economies," he added.
