Footpath markets: a relief for low-income people ahead of Eid
By Mohiuddin M Mahi
DHAKA, Mar 16, 2026 (BSS) - As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, footpath markets across the capital have emerged as a major relief for low-income people seeking affordable clothing and accessories for the festival.
Sidewalks in different parts of Dhaka are now bustling with shoppers looking for budget-friendly items such as shirts, pants, salwar-kameez, three-piece suits, Panjabi, pajamas, T-shirts, caps, shoes, jewellery and cosmetics.
Many people say these footpath markets provide an opportunity to complete Eid shopping within limited budgets, as the prices are significantly lower compared to those in traditional retail stores and shopping malls.
This correspondent visited several busy shopping areas in the capital, including Gulistan, New Market, Gauchia, Chandni Chawk and Mouchak Market, and found the places thronged with people searching for affordable clothing.
Mustafizur Rahman, 35, an expatriate from Munshiganj who came to the New Market area to buy clothes for his child, said footpath shopping offers better affordability despite some inconvenience.
“The advantage of shopping here is the price. Although the facilities are not very good and sometimes there is crowding, these footpath shops are better than many big malls,” he said.
He added that the quality of products is often satisfactory. “If you check the fitting carefully, you can find good-quality clothes here. Sometimes garments produced locally are sold for Tk 500–600 in large stores, but here they are available for Tk 250–300.”
Sharif Mahmud Taqi, 21, a Higher Secondary student from Shariatpur who came to Dhaka for Eid shopping, said the New Market area offers products for people from different economic backgrounds.
“Both lower-income and middle-income people can shop here. However, sometimes vendors quote unusually high prices at first, which can confuse buyers. The same design may have several quality variations, making it difficult for ordinary customers to identify the original product,” he said, adding that more transparency in pricing would make shopping easier.
Ashikul Islam, 30, a supervisor at a clothing brand said not everyone has the same budget and even some affluent people shop in the New Market area.
“Many brand products are similar to what you find here. For middle-class buyers, New Market is one of the best places to shop because the high prices and VAT at brand outlets are not affordable for everyone,” he said.
Vendors along the sidewalks, particularly in front of Gulistan, were loudly calling out to attract customers with their familiar chants: “Deikhya lon 500, baichya lon 500, ekdam 500,” inviting passers-by to check out items priced at Tk 500.
Shahadat Hossain, 40, an employee of a pharmaceutical company in Dhaka who came to buy a shirt, said he found several good products at the footpath shops.
“Prices in shopping malls are much higher, but here there is room for bargaining and you can still find quality items,” he said.
Parvez Hasan, 32, a shopkeeper in the New Market area, said people from all age groups and professions visit the market due to its affordable prices.
“Compared to previous years, sales are somewhat average this season. Last year around this time the crowd was so heavy that it was difficult to walk. Now the situation is moderate, but customers from different backgrounds still come here,” he said.
Tamzid Hasan, 28, a street vendor at Bangabazar, said sales this Eid season are slightly lower than last year. “Some days were good, with sales of around Tk 10,000 to Tk 15,000 a day, but recently the number of customers has dropped,” he said.
Despite overcrowding and occasional price confusion, footpath markets continue to play a crucial role in helping thousands of low-income and middle-income families in the capital prepare for Eid celebrations within their means.
