Sunamganj: Shopping for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr has reached a fever pitch across Sunamganj, with the district town's major markets and shopping malls witnessing an unprecedented influx of buyers. From 10am until the late night, commercial centers are buzzing with activity as residents flock to secure festive attire. However, beneath the vibrant atmosphere lies a growing tension: while merchants claim that prices are actually much lower than the previous year due to import factors, consumers are voicing intense dissatisfaction, alleging that costs have nearly doubled, leaving many caught in a severe financial fix.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, while visiting the local commercial hubs, BSS correspondent observed suffocating crowds at Surma Market, London Plaza, Doja Market, and Neja Plaza. The surge in shoppers has left many areas with virtually no room to stand, particularly in the narrow aisles of Middle Bazar. Despite the physical discomfort, the markets remain operational for extended hours to accommodate the rush. Local traders noted that while the season started slowly, the volume of customers has escalated sharply as Eid approaches, with a distinct preference for imported apparel dominating the current shopping trends.
The demand for festive collections is high, though buyers are increasingly expressing skepticism regarding the authenticity of fabrics, questioning whether the items sold are truly original quality. Farzana Akter, a shopper at Surma Market, told BSS that the market condition is dire due to exorbitant pricing. She highlighted that clothing sets previously priced between Taka 1,500 and Taka 2,000 last year are now being sold for Taka 4,000 to Taka 6,000. "It is nearly impossible to find a desirable outfit for less than Taka 5,000 to Taka 6,000," she lamented, adding that such prices typically drop by half after the Eid season.
Pushpa, a student at Sunamganj Government Women's College, emphasized a lack of competitive pricing. After visiting multiple locations, she observed that shopkeepers are uniformly asking Taka 3,000 to Taka 5,000 for ready-made three-pieces, regardless of which market she visited. "The prices are the same across all markets," she noted, pointing to a lack of options for budget-conscious buyers.
Further illustrating the price hike, Tofazzul, a resident of the Wezkhali area, pointed out that a T-shirt and pants set he purchased for Taka 550 last year now costs Taka 850. This consistent rise across all segments has left many consumers feeling distressed and cornered by the sudden spike in the cost of living.
In response to these widespread grievances, the local authorities have increased market surveillance to prevent price gouging. Md. Amirul Islam Masud, assistant director of the Sunamganj District Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP), assured the public that the situation is being closely monitored. "We are conducting regular raids across the markets," Masud told BSS. He emphasized that the directorate would not hesitate to take immediate legal action against any retailers found to be overpricing goods, provided that evidence of such malpractice is established during their inspections.