Dhaka: As the sun dips below the horizon and the call to Iftar echoes across the city, something electric happens at Dhaka’s New Market. The footpaths fill. The air hums. Families, couples, and friends pour in from every corner of the capital and beyond, all chasing the same dream: the perfect Eid outfit.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, for millions of Bangladeshis, New Market is more than a shopping destination. It is a tradition. Tucked in the heart of Dhaka, this sprawling marketplace has long been the go-to haven for middle- and working-class families who refuse to let tight budgets dim the joy of Eid-ul-Fitr. And this year, as Ramadan draws to a close, the market is busier and perhaps happier than it has been in years.
Step inside on any evening this week and you will find something shopkeepers had quietly been hoping for: stability. After years of price volatility that left both buyers and sellers anxious, the mood this Eid season feels different. Md. Jashim Uddin, who runs a vanity bag stall outside Nur Mansion, noted the market’s stability compared to previous years. He observed no sudden price increases as Eid approached, allowing people to buy freely.
A few steps away at New Super Market, Mohammad Raju, who owns a gents’ clothing shop, expressed satisfaction with sales this year, attributing it to a sense of political stability following a peaceful election. This calm commercial atmosphere has contributed to the market’s steady footing.
Eid shopping traditions in Bangladesh prioritize children, a practice observed at Cotton Gallery, a shop dedicated to kids’ clothing. Mohammad Masum, the shop owner, highlighted the trend of buyers prioritizing children’s clothing over their own, which results in higher sales for kids’ items during Eid.
The market’s vibrancy is fueled by the stories of the people who flock to its stalls. Md Arif from Mirpur and his friends found the prices within their buying capacity. Md Juber from Chattogram seized the opportunity to do Eid shopping at New Market during a medical visit, noting the comparatively cheaper prices. Ridoy and Mithila, a couple from Kamrangirchar, acknowledged a slight price increase but managed their shopping well. Maksud Islam, also from Kamrangirchar, guided his friends from Sonaimuri through the market, showcasing the community spirit prevalent during the Eid season.
As the night progresses, New Market remains lively. Street vendor Md Suman, selling women’s dresses, noted the extended market hours during Eid, with the market staying open until midnight. The bustling atmosphere, filled with the scent of new fabric and street food, reflects a city preparing for celebration. In a year marked by stability, New Market offers a sense of relief, with bearable prices and full shelves, inviting people from across Dhaka and beyond to join in the festivities.