Shopping in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is indeed a shoppers' paradise with a rich tradition in handicrafts at throw away prices. While muslin of ancient Dhaka has gone into history, other products such as contemporary paintings, wood works, shital pati (mattress having cooling effect), bamboo decoration pieces, cane and conch shell products, gold and silver ornament, cotton, silk, gold, silver, jute, reed, brassware, traditional dolls and leather goods also receive deep appreciation of the lovers of arts and crafts now and over the past centuries. In addition, Bangladesh is famous for pink pearl.

Pink Pearl : Pink pearls are the best buy in Dhaka. These natural products are unparallel in luster.

Gold & Silver : A wide range of gold and silver ornaments, silver filigree work etc. are considered by many travelers to be unparalleled.

Jute & Jute Products : Bangladeshi jute industry produces wide range of jute made products which include various jute bags and jute handicrafts. Bangladesh Jute mills also manufacture and export Jute twine or jute yarn and jute packaging sacks bags and jute hessian cloths for industrial use.

Brass & Copperware : Among the best buys here are brass and copperware trays, wall decorations, vases etc. all are hand made with fine engravings and filigree work. Products made from the hides and skins of animals and reptiles, intricate wood carvings, cane and bamboo products, conch shell, bangles, embroidered quilts, jamdani and silk fabrics can also be bought. These are available in DIT market and a number of exclusive shop in New Elephant Road, Dhaka.

Duty- free Shopping : Duty free sales and display centers run by Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (NTO) are located in Dhaka, Zia International Airport, Mohakhaii and Sylhet Airport.

These shops enjoy the reputation of being well established with a wide range of goods at unbeatable prices. Goods available include wines and spirits, perfumes, cigarettes, hi-fi stereo and audio-visual equipment, Cameras, Watches and a range of household appliances. All purchases must be paid for in foreign currency.

Shopping Centers : Most hotels have their own shopping arcades and there are many handicraft shops in Dhaka and other towns.

Some suggested shopping centers are :

For Handicrafts & Exclusives :

• Kanak, Vogue, Champak, Joya (Dhaka Sheraton Hotel) Ph: (880-2) 8613391(Extn.8593)
• Karika, Chandan (DIT Super Market) Ph: (880-2) 504362
• Karu Palli, 5 Kawran Bazar, Dhaka-1215 Ph: (880-2) 9115182
• Aarong, Adel Plaza,Lalmatia, Mirpur Road, Dhaka. Ph: (880-2) 8111607
• Asha , Mirpur Road, Dhaka
• Probortona, Mirpur Road, Dhaka
• Mela, Mirpur Road, Dhaka

For Brassware's

• Upahar, New Elephant Road, Dhaka
• Otobi, New Elephant Road, Dhaka

• Eastern Plaza-Hatirpul
• Karnaphuli garden city
• Banga Bazar Market
• Stadium Arcade
• Baitul Mukarram Market
• New Market
• Chandni Chawk Market
• Gaushia Market
• New Elephant Road
• DIT Super Market
• Aziz Super Market Shahbagh
• Shopping Arcade Mouchak
• Polwel Shopping Centre- Naya Paltan
• Riffle's Square, Dhanmondi
• Gulshan Market-1 & 2
• Bishal Centre- Magh Bazar