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Bangladesh

Shopping in Bangladesh

  1. A

    Safe ‘n’ Save

    This supermarket is a good place to stock up on snacks and more before a Sundarbans adventure.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Banga Bazar

    Dhaka is a fantastic place for purchasing cheap ready-made garments, all of which are produced locally for export. If you’re ready to haggle, then head for Banga Bazar, a block west of Gulistan bus ­station. Although some of the clothes are seconds, with small flaws, most are over-runs. Banga Bazar is usually closed on Friday, but always check.

    reviewed

  3. C

    New Market

    The city’s largest market is New Market. You can find almost anything here including maps, material, saris and household items. It’s a great place to get kitted up in local gear. You can find pre-made salwar kameez (a long dress-like tunic worn by women over baggy trousers) for as low as Tk 200.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Bangsal Rd

    Bangsal Rd, in Old Dhaka's Bangsal, is the place to buy rickshaw parts. For rickshaw art try further along Bangsal Rd in Nazira Bazar, or Bangla Duair Lane. The art is painted on strips of tin and vinyl, and will fit in most suitcases. Prices are around Tk 50, sometimes more if it's special. Bargaining is required, of course.

    reviewed

  5. Aarong Handicrafts Gulshan

    The biggest name in quality handicrafts. Aarong is the retail branch of the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC), which aims to create employment for economically and socially marginalised people through the promotion of traditional Bangladeshi handicrafts.

    reviewed

  6. Aarong Handicrafts Lalmatia

    The biggest name in quality handicrafts. Aarong is the retail branch of the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC), which aims to create employment for economically and socially marginalised people through the promotion of traditional Bangladeshi handicrafts.

    reviewed

  7. E

    Words ‘N’ Pages

    This new bookshop is open every day and stocks a large range of Lonely Planet books and numerous English language novels as well as a large section devoted to South Asian studies. There’s a small upstairs café.

    reviewed

  8. F

    Jahaz Company Shopping Centre

    The perfect place to splash out on the elaborate souvenir sari that you may wear once when you get home. As well as the overwhelming collection of clothes and jewellery, you’ll also find electronic goods.

    reviewed

  9. Mappa

    The best map publisher, Mappa produces English-language maps, which are updated regularly. All are available at bookshops and New Market in Dhaka, and on occasion from street vendors.

    reviewed

  10. G

    Update Supermarket

    There’s a healthy range of groceries and toiletries at the Update Supermarket. There’s also an attentive employee who will try to promote every product within a 2m radius.

    reviewed

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  12. H

    Arter Asha Handicrafts

    This eye-catching boutique store specialises in handmade traditional clothes. Fashions and souvenirs at Arter Asha don’t come cheap, but they do come classy.

    reviewed

  13. I

    Halima Handicrafts

    A project to help abandoned and widowed women support themselves and their children by producing goods such as wall hangings, bedspreads, cushions and tablecloths.

    reviewed

  14. J

    New Market Complex

    The bibliophile’s fantasy. When entering through the main entrance, turn left and walk as far as you can: you will be surrounded by great bookshops.

    reviewed

  15. K

    Chandni Chowk Bazar

    Chandni Chowk Bazar, east across the street from New Market, is best place for local fabrics. It's also closed on Monday afternoon and all day Tuesday.

    reviewed

  16. market

    The dirty central market is a fun place to explore and is alive with the sights, sounds and smells of southern Asia.

    reviewed

  17. Tribal Bazar

    There is a tribal bazar, where trading is conducted in Marma rather than Bengali.

    reviewed

  18. L

    Stadium Arcade

    Stadium Arcade, north of the National Stadium, has an array of electrical goods, CDs and DVDs.

    reviewed

  19. M

    Mona Jewellers

    Mona Jewellers is one of the leading jewellery stores in the city.

    reviewed

  20. N

    Kumudini

    Specialises in jute products.

    reviewed

  21. O

    Monno Fabrics

    For fine quality fabrics.

    reviewed

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  23. P

    Monno Ceramics

    For modern ceramics.

    reviewed