With Eid-ul-Fitr approaching, sales in different shopping malls and roadside markets in the port city are gaining momentum.

During recent visits, people from all walks of life were seen crowding shopping malls and markets to purchase their most sought-after attires.

According to traders, Eid sales usually pick up after the second week of Ramadan, and this year is no exception.

Bipani Bitan (popularly known as New Market), one of the most sought-after destinations for shoppers from well-off families, was abuzz with customers on Tuesday.

Sharin Akter was seen selecting a Panjabi for her husband at a showroom of Crafts Castle in the mall.

"I buy a Panjabi for my husband every year during Eid," she told The Daily Star, adding, "I have visited a number of shops in this mall, and the prices of attires seem reasonable this year."

Md Sagir, president of the Bipani Bitan Traders' Association, said sales have been gaining momentum in a total of 500 shops in the market, with almost all stores crowded every day.

Like Bipani Bitan, other upscale shopping malls, including Ameen Centre, Sanmar Ocean City, Central Plaza, Mimi Super Market, Akhtaruzzaman Centre, and Bali Arcade, were also crowded with Eid shoppers.

However, shoppers from middle- and low-income groups have different destinations.

Abdul Aziz, a private jobholder, went to Tama Kumandi Lane at Reaz Uddin Bazar in the port city with his family for Eid shopping.

He said he bought a shirt for himself and dresses for his wife, daughter, and son, adding, "The prices of dresses seem reasonable."

Middle- and low-income groups are rushing to Jahur Hawkers Market and footpath shops, where they can buy their desired clothes at lower prices.

Yasin Arafat, owner of Poshak Bahar at Jahur Hawkers Market, expressed his satisfaction with sales so far and hoped for a significant increase in the coming days, as the number of customers continues to rise.

During visits to different areas of the city, including Chawkbazar, Anderkilla, New Market, Sholashahar Gate No. 2, Agrabad, CEPZ, Jubilee Road, Station Road, and Bahaddarhat, this correspondent witnessed large crowds buying shirts, T-shirts, pants, Panjabis, and children's attire from makeshift shops and rickshaw vans along the pavements.

Md Shahed, who was selling children's wear in the Chawkbazar area, said they eagerly wait for Ramadan as sales surge during this time of the year.

"My usual daily sales amount to around Tk 3,000 to Tk 5,000. But during Ramadan, sales increase significantly," he said.

Similarly, other roadside vendors were seen busy selling and bargaining with customers flocking to their shops.

Md Irfan, a CNG-run auto-rickshaw driver, bought a dress for his three-year-old daughter for Tk 200 from Hamid's shop on Tuesday.

"Being a member of the low-income group, I have no alternative but to buy clothes from footpath shops," he said.