RAJSHAHI, March 19, 2025 (BSS) - With 11-12 days left for Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the biggest religious festivals of Muslims, Rajshahi city has been caught up in Eid shopping fever with modern and traditional shopping malls bustle with shoppers from all strata.

Thousands of people are thronging markets with enthusiasm, encouraged by a significant decrease in clothing prices compared to last year.

According to sources, silk wear worth Taka 40-45 crore is expected to be sold during this Eid season. Silk fabrics, woven and designed by local artisans, are in huge demand in the Eid markets of the city, with the affluent people rushing to the city silk showrooms every day.The silk industry in Rajshahi is witnessing a boom, with showrooms packed with eager customers.

The manufacturing and marketing of silk clothes have become vibrant on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr, with factories operating round the clock to meet rising demand. Employees are working tirelessly day and night, especially in BSCIC silk factories and the government silk factory.

"Sales are relatively high this year, and the workload is also heavy," said Samrat Ali, a Rajshahi silk artisan, adding that sarees, three-pieces, and panjabis remain the most sought-after items.

Salesmen of different markets, footpaths, makeshift sales centers are busy from morning to midnight as shoppers of all ages gather there.

"I'm purchasing ladies and gents wear, cosmetics and some food items this time to avoid the last moment's unusual public rush and chaotic traffic jam," said Afroja Khatun, a resident of Sagorpara, while talking to BSS at Shaheb Bazar on Tuesday.

Market sources said the overall sale was much higher this year because of further improvement in the economic condition of people from all classes.
 
Deployment of additional law enforcers at different points and market places and engagement of private security men at shopping malls by the authorities concerned have ultimately created a fool-proof security arrangement for businessmen as well as shoppers.
 
Rajshahi Metropolitan Traffic Police sources said movement of thousands of battery-run auto-rickshaws has deteriorated the traffic situation here though the situation is so far better.

The RMP traffic department also blocked most of the intersections in front of all markets and shopping malls to ensure uninterrupted movement of vehicles.
 
Nur Alam Siddiqui, Deputy Commissioner (Traffic) in RMP, said they have set up police boxes beside the gates of all busy markets and our police officials are sincerely making people aware about the traffic system all the time.
 
Tariqul Islam, a cloth-trader at Shaheb Bazar, said he had not faced any untoward situation from the first day of Ramadan.

"We are doing brisk business ahead of the forthcoming Eid but the shoppers are facing embarrassing situation due to the chaotic traffic jam," said Shafiqul Islam, another businessman at RDA market. 

Saidul Islam, owner of Laboni Saree Ghar at Rajshahi New Market, said the volume of sales is much higher this year.
Popular items include Salwar-Kameez for girls, sarees with embroidery and stone work, panjabis, shirts, and footwear, with products from local fashion houses drawing the most attention.

Shopping centers, including RDA Market, New Market, and Sonadighi Silk Market, are witnessing heavy crowds, with buyers actively bargaining for the best deals.

Adolescents and young women are particularly drawn to three-piece dresses in trending designs of the year.

Buyers from affluent backgrounds are selecting items without concern for price, while middle and lower-income groups are bargaining with sellers to get the best deals.

Traders remain optimistic, expecting sales to increase further as Eid approaches.