JOYPURHAT, Mar 17: With Eid-ul-Fitr just around the corner, markets across Joypurhat have become bustling hubs of activity as shoppers prepare for the festival. New Market, Purbo Bazar Ladies Market, Biponi Bitan, Big Bazar, and various shopping malls are crowded with customers buying clothing, shoes, cosmetics, and other festive items.
Traders report that demand for both locally produced and Pakistani fabrics is high this season. While sales were slow at the beginning of Ramadan, business picked up sharply after the 10th day, with shoppers visiting markets throughout the day and late into the night. To accommodate the Eid rush, Friday's weekly market holiday was suspended, leading to heavy footfall in major markets.
Several shoe stores are offering discounts of up to 50 per cent, attracting buyers from all walks of life, including men, women, and children. The crowds have also caused traffic congestion in busy areas, prompting traffic police to take special measures, though controlling the flow has been challenging.
A visit to popular stores such as Fatema Cloth Store, Faruk Cloth Store, Saj Collection, Girls Villa, Karim Genji Store, and Babu Garments revealed continuous customer activity. Shop owners noted that sales have picked up substantially since the middle of Ramadan.
Masud Parvez Babu, owner of Babu Garments in Purbo Bazar, said the shop offers a wide range of clothing for children and teenagers, including baby sets, T-shirt sets, and panjabis. Panjabis are priced between Tk 700 and Tk 3,000, while ready-made children's garments range from Tk 1,200 to Tk 8,500. Traders said prices have increased by Tk 200 to Tk 400 compared to last year due to higher fabric, tailoring, labour, and transport costs.
Nasrin Akter, owner of Girls Villa and Saj Ladies Collection, said Pakistani three-piece ghararas and gowns made of georgette are among the most popular items, with prices ranging from Tk 2,200 to Tk 7,000. Customers are trying to balance affordability with preferences.
Makbul Hossain, owner of Famous Tailors, said many tailors travel to Dhaka during the festival to meet the high demand. Stitching charges currently range from Tk 550 to Tk 600 for shirts, and Tk 700 to Tk 800 for pants and panjabis.
Joypurhat Superintendent of Police Meena Mahmud said law and order remains stable but additional security measures have been taken at markets and other important areas to ensure smooth Eid shopping. Traders expressed satisfaction with the overall security during the festival season.
Eid shopping in Joypurhat reflects the growing festive spirit, with residents making careful purchases while markets manage increased demand and ensure safety for customers.
