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Published : 09 Mar 2026, 01:37 AM
From glittering lehengas and party gowns to classic panjabis, Dhaka’s markets have transformed into a colourful sea of children's fashion as the Eid-ul-Fitr shopping season finally gathers momentum.
While high-end shopping complexes reported a surge in footfall over the weekend, smaller traders and footpath vendors are still waiting for their peak sales period to begin.
At Bashundhara City Shopping Complex, the demand for girls' ethnic wear like sararas, ghararas, and lehengas is exceptionally high.
Md Moniruzzaman, manager of Maisha World, told bdnews24.com: "Sales started a bit late this Ramadan, but since Friday, the crowd has grown. We had good sales on Friday and Saturday."
He noted a distinct preference for imported designs.
"Girls are more interested in clothes imported from China and India than local ones. Gowns and party frocks are the main attractions," he said, adding that prices for these outfits range between Tk 5,000 and Tk 15,000.
Private firm official Shamim Ahmed, who was shopping for his children Ark and Antara, echoed the sentiment.
"I bought a T-shirt and trousers for my son. My daughter wanted a lehenga, but she also liked a salwar kameez. I told her to take both," he said.
At Babyland in the same mall, boys' panjabis are selling for Tk 2,000 to Tk 10,000, while sets for infants, known as “babu sets”, are priced between Tk 1,500 and Tk 5,000 at other outlets.
In stark contrast, the temporary stalls lining the roads in Karwan Bazar remain relatively quiet.
Vendors here offer significantly lower prices but say the expected rush is yet to arrive.
"Seventeen fasts have passed, but sales haven't really picked up yet. I can't say exactly why," said Md Salahuddin, who sells children’s T-shirts for Tk 150 to Tk 350.
Another vendor, Oli Ahmed, who sells frocks and tops for Tk 200 to Tk 550, believes the delay is tied to the economy.
"Private sector employees and garment workers haven't received their salaries and bonuses yet. That is why the demand hasn't peaked," he explained.
Despite the slow start, low-income shoppers like Rowshan are already scouting for deals.
"I am looking for trousers for my son. We are poor people; we come here because the prices are within our reach," she told bdnews24.com.
Stall owners remain optimistic that the final ten days of Ramadan will bring the usual frantic rush as workers receive their festive allowances.
