Best Markets in Bangladesh ‑ A Shopper’s Complete Guide

Markets in Bangladesh often feel straightforward and welcoming. You see people bargaining, picking up daily items, and choosing fabrics with care. The best markets in Bangladesh help you understand how locals shop, whether you are looking for clothes, crafts, or general goods.

The New Market in Dhaka has long rows of shops that stay busy from morning to evening. Karwan Bazar shows the early rush of traders handling fresh produce and supplies. Aarong offers a quieter space with well-made crafts that reflect local traditions.

In this article, you will get to know about the top shopping markets in Bangladesh. You’ll get a clear idea of which markets fit your plans and what each place offers once you start exploring them. Get ready to experience the rich shopping culture of this vibrant country!

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19 Best Markets in Bangladesh

1. New Market, Dhaka

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New Market is the oldest and most famous flea market in Bangladesh. Established in 1954, this historic complex sits at the heart of Dhaka. The market has hundreds of shops selling clothes, jewelry, fabrics, stationery, and household items at affordable rates. You’ll need strong bargaining skills here as fixed prices are rare. This is perfect for street shopping in Bangladesh.

• Highlights: Clothes, jewelry, bags, accessories, fabrics, stationery, household goods
• Timings: Daily 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
• Address: Mirpur Rd, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh

2. Karwan Bazar

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Karwan Bazar is one of the largest wholesale markets in Bangladesh and South Asia. This massive marketplace handles fruits, vegetables, fish, rice, and groceries from across the country. The market operates 24 hours with peak activity from midnight to dawn.

Trucks arrive every night bringing fresh produce. Daily revenue reaches 50 million taka, making it a commercial powerhouse.

• Highlights: Fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, rice, groceries, toiletries
• Timings: 24 hours (Most active 12 AM – 6 AM)
• Address: Tejgaon, Panthapath, Dhaka

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3. Bashundhara City Shopping Complex

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Bashundhara City is one of the luxury shopping spots in Bangladesh. Founded in 2004, this 19-floor complex houses 2,325 stores. The first four floors feature fashion products from local and international brands.

The upper floors have electronics, a cinema complex, a theme park, food courts, and gaming zones. The 8th floor offers entertainment with Bangladesh’s largest gaming zone and an ice skating rink.

• Highlights: International brands, electronics, fashion, entertainment, food courts
• Timings:
  • Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM
  • Monday 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
  • Friday Open 24 Hours
  • Saturday 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
• Address: 3 No, West Panthapath, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh

4. Jamuna Future Park

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Jamuna Future Park is the largest shopping mall in South Asia. Inaugurated in 2013, this seven-floor complex spans 4.2 million square feet across 33 acres.

The mall features international brands, local shops, food courts, a children’s theme park, swimming pools, cinema halls, and a bowling alley. Level 5 is dedicated to entertainment with gaming zones and exhibition halls.

• Highlights: International brands, entertainment, cinema, theme park, food courts
• Timings:
  • Sunday to Tuesday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Closed on Wednesday
  • Thursday to Saturday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Address: KA-244, Kuril, Progoti Shoroni, Dhaka, Bangladesh

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5. Gausia Market

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Gausia Market is one of the oldest private markets in Dhaka. This market caters primarily to women with all kinds of ladies’ fashion and clothing. You’ll find sarees, salwar kameez, cosmetics, bags, and accessories. The market sits near New Market and attracts shoppers looking for affordable ethnic wear. Prices are reasonable, but bargaining is expected.

• Highlights: Women’s clothing, sarees, cosmetics, bags, accessories
• Timings: Daily 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Address: Gawsia Market, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh

6. Banga Bazar

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Banga Bazar is extremely popular among locals and foreigners. This clothing market in Bangladesh specializes in the export of surplus garments. You’ll find branded clothes at throwaway prices from factories across the country. T-shirts, jeans, shirts, and children’s clothing are available at bargain rates. Check items carefully before buying.

• Highlights: Export surplus garments, branded clothes at low prices
• Timings: Daily 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed on Friday)
• Address: Ramna Dhaka তেজগাঁও সার্কেল, Bangladesh

7. Aarong Handicraft Stores

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Aarong is Bangladesh’s largest fair-trade handicraft chain. Established by BRAC in 1978, Aarong supports over 87,000 artisans across the country. The stores sell clothing, jewelry, home decor, nakshi kantha, pottery, leather goods, and traditional crafts.

With 31 outlets across Bangladesh, Aarong offers authentic handmade products that preserve the country’s heritage. This is the best place for quality handicrafts.

• Highlights: Traditional handicrafts, clothes, jewelry, home decor, pottery
• Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM (Timing may differ based on location)
• Address: Multiple locations (Main outlet at Gulshan, Dhaka)

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8. Shankhari Bazar

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Shankhari Bazar is one of the oldest areas in Old Dhaka. This historic street is famous for traditional crafts and conch shell products. The narrow lanes feature richly decorated buildings from the Mughal period.

Artisans here create handmade musical instruments, wooden items, and traditional Hindu ornaments. The market offers a glimpse into Dhaka’s cultural heritage and artisanal traditions.

• Highlights: Handmade musical instruments, conch shell products, and traditional crafts
• Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
• Address: Shankhari Bazar Road, Old Dhaka

9. Nilkhet Book Market

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Nilkhet Book Market is a paradise for readers on a budget. Situated in the Mirpur area, this sprawling marketplace offers everything from university course books to popular fiction at prices that won’t empty your wallet. Students and book enthusiasts flock here daily to hunt for discounted textbooks, reference materials, and the latest bestsellers.

You can find both new releases and hidden literary gems without spending a fortune. The market caters to readers across Dhaka who refuse to pay full retail prices for their reading habits.

• Highlights: Academic books, novels, second-hand books, and rare publications
• Timings: Daily 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed on Tuesday)
• Address: 1 Mirpur Rd, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh

10. Gulshan-Banani Street Market

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The Gulshan-Banani Street Market serves upscale neighborhoods. This weekend market in Bangladesh offers high-quality clothing, jewelry, and imported goods. Boutique shops sell unique Bangladeshi handicrafts and textiles perfect for souvenirs. The area also features restaurants and cafes, making it a pleasant shopping and dining destination.

• Highlights: High-quality clothes, jewelry, imported goods, handicrafts
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Differs according to the shops)
• Address: Gulshan-Banani area, Dhaka

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11. Dhamrai Bazar

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Dhamrai Bazar sits on the outskirts of Dhaka. This traditional market is famous for metalwork and pottery. Artisans here craft brass products using age-old techniques passed through generations. You can watch craftsmen at work and purchase unique handmade items. The market provides an authentic rural shopping experience.

• Highlights: Brass products, pottery, traditional metalwork, handmade crafts
• Timings: Daily 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM
• Address: W696+JG6, R315, Dhamrai, Bangladesh

12. Eastern Plaza

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Eastern Plaza opened in 1990 as Dhaka’s first multi-storied shopping complex. Located at Elephant Road, this market specializes in electronics and electrical goods. You’ll find computers, smartphones, cameras, and gaming consoles at competitive rates. The complex houses numerous electronics retailers offering warranties and after-sales service.

• Highlights: Electronics, computers, smartphones, cameras, gadgets
• Timings: Daily 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed on Sunday)
• Address: Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh

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13. Police Plaza Concord

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Police Plaza Concord is a 12-story luxury mall in Gulshan. Established by the Bangladesh Police Welfare Trust and Concord Group, this complex features branded shops. The first five floors house fashion stores, beauty products, mobile accessories, and electronics. Upper levels contain corporate offices. The mall’s food courts are extremely popular.

• Highlights: Branded fashion, beauty products, electronics, food courts
• Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM
• Address: Hatirjheel, Gulshan Ave, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh

14. Mirpur Mouchak Market

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Mirpur Mouchak Market offers a calmer shopping experience than New Market. This local food market in Bangladesh is known for ethnic wear and accessories. You’ll find unique clothing reflecting Bangladeshi culture at reasonable prices. The peaceful atmosphere allows for relaxed browsing without the rush of bigger bazaars.

• Highlights: Ethnic wear, accessories, traditional clothing
• Timings: Daily 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed on Tuesday)
• Address: W Malibagh, Dhaka 1217, Bangladesh

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15. Rapa Plaza

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Rapa Plaza sits in Dhanmondi with 150 air-conditioned stores. This modern complex offers jewelry, dresses, and shoes at competitive prices. You can find trending fashion items without visiting multiple markets. The plaza provides a comfortable shopping environment with all modern facilities.

• Highlights: Jewelry, dresses, shoes, fashion accessories
• Timings: Daily 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed on Tuesday)
• Address: Plot – 01, Road – Old 27 New 16, Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka 1209, Bangladesh

16. Pink City

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Pink City is a five-story mall in Gulshan. This market is famous for fashionable and unique clothing. You’ll find Bangladeshi, Pakistani, and Indian dresses at competitive rates. The mall attracts shoppers looking for ethnic and contemporary fashion pieces. Prices are moderate compared to other Gulshan markets.

• Highlights: Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Indian clothing, ethnic fashion
• Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
• Address: Gulshan Ave, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh

17. Shimanto Square

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Shimanto Square is owned by Border Guard Bangladesh. Located near Pilkhana and Dhanmondi, this complex is famous for its food courts. The market serves nearby educational institutions and residential areas. You can shop for clothes and enjoy various food options in one location.

• Highlights: Food courts, clothing, accessories, restaurants
• Timings: Daily 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM, Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed on Tuesday)
• Address: 2 Road No. 2, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh

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18. Chandni Chowk Market

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Chandni Chowk is a busy wholesale and retail market near New Market. This complex sells clothes, accessories, and household items at bulk prices. Retailers from across Dhaka source products here. Individual shoppers can also buy at wholesale rates with some bargaining.

• Highlights: Wholesale clothes, accessories, and household items
• Timings: Daily 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed on Tuesday)
• Address: 228 New Market – Pilkhana Rd, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh

19. Chittagong New Market

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Chittagong New Market, also called Biponi Bitan, opened in 1960. This historic market offers textiles, electronics, spices, and handicrafts. The market serves Bangladesh’s main seaport city with hundreds of shops. You’ll find sarees, salwar kameez, household items, and traditional crafts at competitive prices.

• Highlights: Textiles, electronics, spices, handicrafts, household items
• Timings: Daily 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed on Friday)
• Address: Biponi Bitan New Market, Jubilee Rd, Chattogram, Bangladesh

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FAQs

What are the best bargains in Bangladesh markets?

The best bargains in Bangladesh markets are found at Banga Bazar for export garments, Karwan Bazar for fresh produce, and New Market for general goods. Always bargain at street markets to get better prices. Visit early morning at the wholesale markets for fresh items and lower rates.

What is the best time to shop at traditional markets in Bangladesh?

The best time to shop at traditional markets in Bangladesh is weekday mornings. Markets are less crowded from 10 AM to 2 PM. Avoid Fridays and weekends when crowds are largest. Wholesale markets operate best from midnight to 6 AM for fresh goods.

Are there night markets in Bangladesh?

Yes, night markets in Bangladesh include Dhanmondi Lake Market and Temple Street-style evening bazaars. Karwan Bazar operates 24 hours with peak night activity. During Ramadan, many areas transform into night markets selling iftar items. These markets offer food, clothing, and entertainment.

What handicraft markets in Bangladesh sell authentic products?

Aarong handicraft stores sell the most authentic products across Bangladesh. Dhamrai Bazar offers traditional brass items and pottery. Shankhari Bazar features conch shell products and musical instruments. These markets support local artisans and preserve traditional crafts.

Where can I find luxury shopping spots in Bangladesh?

Bashundhara City and Jamuna Future Park are the top luxury shopping spots in Bangladesh. Police Plaza Concord in Gulshan offers branded stores. These malls feature international brands, modern facilities, and premium shopping experiences. The Gulshan-Banani area has boutique luxury shops.

What seasonal markets in Bangladesh are worth visiting?

Seasonal markets in Bangladesh include Pohela Boishakh fairs during the Bengali New Year and Eid markets before festivals. Winter brings special produce markets with seasonal vegetables. Durga Puja markets sell religious items and clothing. These markets offer unique shopping experiences.

Is bargaining expected at markets in Bangladesh?

Yes, bargaining is expected at most traditional markets and street shopping areas. Fixed-price shops display “fixed price” signs. At places like New Market and Banga Bazar, start negotiations at 30-40% below the asking price. Be polite and willing to walk away for better deals.

What are the best markets in Bangladesh for tourists?

The best markets in Bangladesh for tourists include New Market for general shopping, Aarong for handicrafts, and Shankhari Bazar for a cultural experience. Bashundhara City offers modern mall shopping. Karwan Bazar provides an authentic local market atmosphere. These venues showcase diverse shopping options.