People are looking for affordable clothing, shoes, and more in the Gulistan area of the capital. Photo: BSS

By Saiful Islam

DHAKA, March 18, 2025 (BSS) - As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, footpath shopping in Dhaka has become a trusted destination for low-income families. The city's sidewalks are crowded with people looking for affordable clothing, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, and more for the festival.

Vendors along the footpaths offer a wide range of items, including shirts, pants, salwars, three-piece suits, kameez, pajamas, t-shirts, and caps. The markets cater to people of all ages, with colorful and varied designs to choose from. Many shoppers prefer these markets for the lower prices compared to traditional retail stores.

This correspondent visited different spots in Dhaka, including Gulistan, New Market, Gauchia, Chandni Chawk, and Mouchak Market, and found that the locations were thronged with visitors looking for affordable clothing.

The footpath shopkeepers in front of Gulistan, in the capital, were calling out to attract customers with their loud chants, "Deikhya lon 500, baichya lon 500, ekdam 500." This call could be heard on most sidewalks across the city, drawing crowds eager for affordable Eid shopping.

Billal Hossain was buying Eid gifts for his family near Gulistan Mazar.

"This time I will celebrate the Eid with my family at village. I've bought shirts and lungis for my father and brother, and a saree for my mother. You can find good things here at lower prices," he said.

However, some vendors reported a slowdown in sales.

Jamal Mia, a Punjabi seller at the southern gate of Baitul Mukarram mosque, explained that many workers are still waiting for their festival bonuses. "Sales are slower now, but we expect them to pick up as Eid approaches," he said.

Sohel Rana, visiting from Barisal, shared that footpath shopping is a blessing for low-income families. "I'm buying clothes for my children and myself because I won't be able to come to Dhaka before Eid. The prices here are much better," he said.

Vendors like Md. Rabbi pointed out that they can sell at lower prices because they don't have overhead costs like malls. "Our clothes are just as good as those in the markets, but we can sell them for less," he explained.
 
Zahirul Islam, a private employee, agreed. "I can buy clothes for my whole family here at a lower price than in shopping malls," he said.

Though the sales are slower this year, some vendors are optimistic about the coming days. Aklima Akhter Akhi, a vendor, said that the market usually gets busier closer to Eid. "People will come in larger numbers soon," she said.

Jamal Mollah, another seller, mentioned that his exotic designs and affordable prices attract both low-income and middle-class customers. "People like our clothes because they're trendy and affordable," he said.