Sylhet Bureau :
The rest of Eid-ul-Adha is just a few days away. On this day, shoppers are stumbling in various shopping malls and markets of Sylhet city for Eid shopping. The presence of shoppers in shopping malls is noticeable especially on Fridays and Saturdays which are weekly holidays.
Shoppers are flocking to shopping malls in Sylhet on Sunday morning. Buyers are likely to call everyone who looks appropriate, if there are only a few. Due to the relaxation of the restrictions announced by the government for Eid, there is no supervision of any law enforcement agencies in controlling public gatherings and traffic.
Several shopping malls and markets in different areas of the city including Bandarbazar and Zindabazar have been visited. Men and women of different ages have started shopping on the occasion of the upcoming Eid. There was a crowd in the shops of decorations and cosmetics. Besides, shoppers are coming and going freely from one shopping mall to another. However, more crowds have been noticed in shopping for children.
Talking to a shopper who came to shop at a shopping mall in Zinda Bazar, he said, “We don’t need to shop anymore.” Children come to the market for shopping.
One of the sellers said that there is no sale as expected on Eid. Although there is a goal of good business centered on Eid, they are afraid that it will not be achieved in just 5 days. He is also worried about whether he will be able to pay the salary bonus to the shop rental employees properly.
Shopping hotspots in the city include Nayasarak, Zindabazar, Kumarpara, Jail Road, Lamabazar and Amberkhana — where most shopping malls and brand outlets are located.
On the other hand, low and lower-middle income people are thronging makeshift shops on footpaths and roads in Bandarbazar, Zindabazar and Chowhatta areas.
Female shoppers were seen buying dresses, bangles, earrings and other items, while male shoppers looked for panjabis, shirts, pants, tupi (prayer caps), tasbih (prayer beads) and other products.
Roadside shops at Bandarbazar are also bustling with people.
Mofiz Ali, a rickshaw-puller, said, Its hard to get new outfits for everyone on my budget. Hopefully I’ll be able to get something for everyone.
Despite complaints, there was a sense of joy and excitement among shoppers, which resonated with shop owners as well.
Mahiuddin Ahmed Saleem, owner of a shop at Nayasarak, said, ÒSince last week, we had to stay open till sehri as people kept on shopping.
