Rajshahi markets buzzing with Eid shoppers

With more than two weeks left for the Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the biggest religious festivals of the Muslims, Rajshahi city has been caught by Eid shopping fever with modern and traditional shopping malls bustling with shoppers from all strata.

Thousands of people are purchasing items of their own choice with huge enthusiasm despite the significant rise in prices of all kinds of clothes compared to last year.

With the eye-catching colour and design of the silk wears, a large number of people irrespective of age and sex especially the adolescents, are humming towards the showrooms to collect their best choice.

According to the sources concerned, silk wears valued at around Tk 30-35 crore are likely to be sold during the current 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.

Movement of the shoppers has created huge traffic congestion in the major shopping areas. Shop owners said that sales were showing an upward trend since the last couple of days.

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 Afroza Khatun, a resident of Swachh Tower.

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 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 all intersections in front of all markets and shopping malls to ensure uninterrupted movement of vehicles.