Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, March 19, 2026 (BSS)- People in Rajshahi metropolitan area and surrounding upazilas are passing extremely busy times with last-minute shopping while the Holy festival of Eid-ul-Fitr is knocking at the door.
 
A huge crowd of shoppers can be seen at shopping malls, markets, and temporary bazaars across the city. From morning till late at night, residents are spending busy hours shopping with their families.
 
Clothing stores, in particular, are experiencing the highest pressure from customers. Shoppers are flocking to buy newly designed outfits for children, teenagers, young adults, and the elderly. 

Sellers are struggling to manage the crowd, and many shops are even preparing to stay open throughout the night.
 
On Thursday noon, a visit to the Saheb Bazar area showed that there was hardly any space to walk inside the markets. From shops to sidewalks, crowds were everywhere. Clothing, footwear, cosmetics, and Eid item stores were packed, with many customers seen waiting in long queues.
 
Cloth trader Kabir Hossain said that although there had been a steady flow of customers throughout Ramadan, the crowd has multiplied several times in the last week. Especially in the past two days, many people have been visiting markets with their families.
 
Talking to customers revealed that many could not shop earlier due to busy schedules, while others were waiting for new collections before Eid. As a result, the pressure has increased at the last moment.
 
A customer named Zahidul Islam said, "I got leave from the office, so I came to shop. I have to buy for everyone in the family. But after coming here, I see a massive crowd. It's difficult even to walk properly.

Shopping with children has become quite challenging. Still, it has to be done."
 
Shopping is not limited to clothing alone. There is also a large crowd in stores selling essential Eid food items such as semai (vermicelli), sugar, milk, ghee, and various spices. The demand for semai has increased several times in both retail and wholesale markets. Customers are noticeably crowding to buy lachcha semai, thin vermicelli, and packaged varieties.
 
The same situation is seen in spice shops. Sales of ingredients such as garam masala, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves have increased. Many people are purchasing these in advance to prepare for Eid day cooking. Sellers say that sales of spices and semai peak in the two to three days before Eid.
 
Meanwhile, there is also pressure from buyers in markets for essential food items such as beef, chicken, eggs, and onions. Many are purchasing necessary food supplies for Eid day and the following days.
 
Customers say that although the crowd is heavy at the last moment, the shopping adds extra excitement to the joy of Eid. However, excessive crowds and traffic congestion have caused some inconvenience.
 
The administration has taken extra measures to maintain discipline and ensure security in market areas. Law enforcement patrols have been intensified so that shoppers can shop without disruption. 

Rajshahi Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Gaziur Rahman, said that adequate security measures have been taken for the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, and police are fully prepared to prevent any untoward incidents.