Footpath markets bustle with last-minute Eid shopping

With Eid-ul-Fitr just around the corner, footpaths across the capital are abuzz with last-minute buying and selling, remaining crowded from morning till midnight.
A large number of shoppers are turning to footpath markets for their Eid purchases. 
Popular areas such as Gulistan, New Market, Farmgate, Badda and Mirpur have become major hubs, offering everything from ornaments to clothing for men, women and children at affordable prices.
New Market remains one of the most preferred shopping destinations. While the area stays busy year-round, it becomes especially crowded during Eid, with a surge in both customers and vendors. Alongside formal shops, footpath sellers offer a wide variety of goods at competitive prices.
Amid the bustling crowd at New Market, Mohammad Jisan was seen shopping with his wife and two children, moving from one stall to another in search of bargains.
“I chose New Market for Eid shopping because I can find clothes here at cheaper rates. This year, I bought a shirt from a footpath stall, while my wife bought pants and a frock for our child,” he told Daily Sun.
Opposite Dhaka College, hawkers chanted “dui sho, dui sho” (two hundred, two hundred) as they sold T-shirts to passing shoppers. Nearly every shop and footpath stall was packed, reflecting the intense Eid rush.
Shops selling children’s clothing and women’s items drew the largest crowds. Zohir Mia, a children’s apparel seller, said sales improved after the 20th of Ramadan.
“This year’s Eid sales are neither very satisfying nor disappointing. Now I sell around Tk20,000 a day. It’s not very satisfying, but not disappointing either. Alhamdulillah, I am happy,” he said.
He added that with Eid falling in summer this year, lightweight frocks and cotton clothing have been the top-selling items.
In Badda, footpath markets remain active until midnight. The stretch from Badda Link Road to Middle Badda has become a well-known hub for roadside vendors.
Bilkis Ara, a housemaid, arrived at Badda Link Road around 10pm with her three-year-old daughter for Eid shopping after finishing work. 
Standing at a footpath stall, her daughter asked for ornaments, and she eventually bought a pair of earrings for Tk200.
“I remain busy until evening, so I go shopping at night. I have never gone to big shopping malls, I buy clothes from footpaths every year,” she told Daily Sun.
Even late at night, the area remained packed with customers, reflecting the last-minute rush. Traders said this period is crucial for their annual earnings.
Alauddin, a pants seller, said Eid is the most important time for his business. “In a regular month, I sell around Tk30,000, but during Eid, my sales can reach up to Tk1 lakh,” he said.
Retail sales ahead of Eid have surged to a six-year high, reflecting strong consumer demand. 
According to the Bangladesh Shop Owners Association, sales have already exceeded Tk1.70 lakh crore against a target of Tk2.20 lakh crore.
The clothing sector dominates the market, contributing Tk1.20 lakh crore, the largest share of overall sales.