Rangpur: Even though nearly two weeks remain before the holy Eid-ul-Fitr, huge crowds are thronging various markets, shopping malls, trade centres and temporary bazaars in Rangpur city to purchase Eid items. Heavy Eid shopping is underway at major commercial hubs across the metropolis, causing frequent traffic congestion from DC Mor to Surabhi Udyan, Jahaj Company More, Shapla Square and adjacent areas.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, hundreds of shoppers of all ages are purchasing Eid items in advance to avoid last-minute rush and traffic gridlock amid relatively hot and humid weather. President of Rangpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Emdadul Hossain Emdad stated that business activities are improving and sales of Eid goods have increased as the income of common people has risen. Markets and shopping centres across the city have been decorated in festive attire, attracting enthusiastic crowds of men, women, youths, students, and children.
Sources at Rangpur Metropolitan Police indicated that security measures, special traffic management, and monitoring of the law and order situation have been strengthened to ensure safe and comfortable shopping. Market sources revealed that prices of men's, women's, and children's clothing are slightly higher compared to last year. Prices of some imported garments, cosmetics, and luxury items have increased moderately but remain within the purchasing capacity of buyers. Pakistani dresses top the preference list for many girls this Eid season.
A large number of customers, from younger to elder, are visiting different shopping centres and markets to complete their Eid shopping. Shoppers noted that prices of clothes and other Eid items are 10 to 20 percent higher than last year. Female three-piece suits are being sold between Taka 1,500 and 22,000, sarees between Taka 1,500 and 40,000, pant pieces between Taka 1,200 and 8,000, jeans between Taka 2,200 and 8,000, and shirt pieces between Taka 1,500 and 7,000.
University students Monir Hossain and Aftab Uddin at Rangpur Super Market mentioned they purchased shirts, Punjabis, and trousers at reasonable prices. College students Aklima Khatun, Jasmine Hassan, Nurun Nahar, and Mahbub Begum at RAMC Shopping Complex shared that they bought Eid clothes and cosmetics at 15 to 25 percent higher prices this year. Noorjahan and Mosfiqur Rahman, who came from the Hili Land Port area of Dinajpur to shop at Rajanigandha shopping mall, stated they purchased Eid clothes for their children and relatives at slightly higher prices.
Traders in different city markets expressed that sales are satisfactory even two weeks before Eid-ul-Fitr and expressed optimism that transactions will continue to increase until the eve of the festival.