Netrokona: A festive atmosphere has gripped the district town of Netrokona as people flock to markets for last-minute shopping ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the greatest religious festivals of the Muslims. Markets across the town are witnessing a surge in buyers, especially in the main commercial hub, Bara Bazar, which has become the central gathering point for shoppers. The town begins to bustle from around 9:00 am although many eager buyers arrive as early as 7:00 am to avoid the afternoon rush.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this year’s Eid market has been buoyed by good paddy prices in the haor areas, bringing smiles to farmers and boosting their purchasing power. At the same time, the weather has remained pleasant following a hailstorm and rainfall in the district over the past two days, offering relief to shoppers observing fasts during the Holy month of Ramadan.
From morning until late afternoon, large crowds have been seen in major markets, smaller bazaars, and the Moktarpara area. Many buyers and sellers, spending long hours in the markets, have even been seen breaking their fast together. Md. Shaon Chowdhury, owner of Seba Fashion in the market, said the shop has stocked clothing for people of all ages. “The Eid market largely depends on people’s purchasing power. Sales are going well so far, and we expect them to reach our target by the night of the moon sighting,” he said.
Tailor shops are also experiencing heavy demand. At Rekha Tailors, head artisan Himel Sarkar Apurba said they are struggling to complete orders in time. “Female customers are ordering clothes in various designs. We are working hard to deliver everything before the moon night so people can enjoy Eid,” he said. Ready-made garment stores such as Seba Fashion, Laskar Garments, Dhali Garments, Saha Garments, Medina Garments and Lily Garments are also witnessing significant foot traffic, with female buyers outnumbering male shoppers. Stores that allow bargaining are attracting more customers than fixed-price outlets.
Sumaiya Khanam, a university student from Mohanganj upazila, visited the district’s big market with friends for Eid shopping. “There is a special joy in going around with friends and choosing clothes for Eid. This time I plan to buy cotton dresses, cosmetics and handbags,” she added. Didar Laskar, owner of Laskar Garments and general secretary of the Garments Owners Association, said sales this year have already surpassed those of previous years. “Alhamdulillah, we barely have time to rest from morning until late night. Since the 20th of Ramadan, the number of buyers has increased many times,” he said.
He also said that the dominance of imported Indian and Pakistani clothes has decreased, while demand for locally produced garments has grown significantly. Rahman Plaza trader Sourav Chowdhury echoed similar views, saying local clothing items are selling well among customers of all ages. Apart from clothing stores, shoe shops, jewellery outlets and cosmetics stores are also seeing heavy crowds. Shops selling caps, perfumes and prayer mats are attracting many devout Muslims preparing for Eid prayers.
Beauty parlours are experiencing a surge in clients as well. Syeda Nazneen Sultana Sweety, owner of Women’s Style Parlor in the Arambagh area of the town, said many customers are taking beauty and grooming services ahead of Eid. “It is not enough just to buy clothes; people want to present themselves beautifully. We even plan to organize a Mehndi festival on the moon night,” she said. Meanwhile, the town’s tailoring neighborhood is working around the clock. Popular Punjabi maker Milton Mia said demand has been so high that he stopped taking new orders after the 10th day of Ramadan. “We have around 500 Punjabi orders to complete. Our team is working day and night until Eid morning,” he added.
To ensure smooth shopping and maintain law and order, the district administration and police have strengthened monitoring across markets. A preparatory meeting chaired by the Deputy Commissioner has already been held, while mobile courts are conducting regular drives to control prices. Traffic police are also working to ease congestion in busy market areas. Didarul Alam Didar, director of the district Chamber of Commerce, said the overall situation is stable. “Law and order is good this year. With regular monitoring by the district administration, buyers can shop comfortably and traders are conducting business without any problems,” he added.