Rajshahi: As the Holy Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, shopping has picked up pace in the divisional city of Rajshahi. However, compared to large shopping malls or branded showrooms, a bigger crowd is now seen at the city's sidewalk stalls. These roadside temporary shops have become the main destination for middle- and low-income people, allowing them to match their preferences with their limited budgets. Thousands of shoppers are returning home with satisfied smiles after buying clothes of their choice at affordable prices.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, visits to different areas such as Saheb Bazar Zero Point, Gankapara, roads in front of RDA Market, Sonadighi intersection, and Kumarpada reveal overwhelming crowds of buyers. Shopping continues from morning until late at night. From children's frocks, jeans, and T-shirts to adults' punjabis and three-piece outfits-everything is available here. Although sidewalks were once considered markets only for the lower class, the scenario has changed somewhat this year. Even salaried individuals and middle-class families are now seen bargaining at these stalls. Vendors call out to attract customers while buyers negotiate prices before purchasing.
In front of Jamal Supermarket, Shamsuzzohar is selling shirts from a van, announcing through a hand microphone: "Fixed price at Taka 300 per shirt." Customers gather around the van, selecting shirts of their choice. Sohel Ahmed, a sales representative at a company, said while shopping at Saheb Bazar that the rising prices of goods have made it difficult to shop at large stores and malls. "Good-quality clothes are available on the sidewalks at affordable prices, so I'm buying for my family from here," he said.
Day laborer Solaiman Ali said, "I'm looking for pants for my 10-year-old child. I visited several markets before this. Big stores are asking for Taka 1,000 for pants and are not reducing the price. On the sidewalks, I can get the same for taka 300-400. For poor people like us, sidewalks are our only hope." However, there are also complaints about these sidewalk products. Some buyers say that colors fade after washing or the fabric quality is not good, and in some cases, the stitching is poor.
Still, due to the low prices, many people take the risk and buy these clothes. Bargaining also plays an important role while some shops have fixed prices, most allow negotiation. Buyers often compare prices at several stalls before making a decision. Vendors are also happy to see the surge in customers. Russell Ali, a sidewalk seller at Zero Point, said, "There are many more customers this year, especially from evening until late at night. People from all income groups are coming here, so sales are good."
Although the increased crowds have caused some traffic congestion in Saheb Bazar and nearby areas, police patrols have been intensified. Traffic police and Rajshahi Metropolitan Police are maintaining strict vigilance to ensure smooth shopping for the public. On the other hand, these roadside stalls occupying sidewalks have created some inconvenience for pedestrians, as many walkways have become narrow. Nevertheless, the festive spirit of Eid is evident among both buyers and sellers.
Traders say that the Eid season is the most important time of the year for them, with many waiting all year for this period. A significant portion of their annual income comes from just a few weeks of business before Eid. Despite limited means, everyone wants to bring smiles to their families by buying new clothes for Eid. As a result, sidewalk markets have become vibrant hubs of Eid shopping. Despite the complaints, these markets remain the primary reliance for low-income people.