Informal markets after Jummah prayers

Bangladesh has the third largest Muslim population in the world. As a result, the country has plenty of beautiful mosques across the country. All the mosques tend to have the week's biggest congregations on Friday. This is the Jummah prayer that takes place in early afternoon.

After finishing prayers, most people stick around in the mosque chitchatting with neighbours and friends. Some hawkers have identified this particular time as most propitious for selling their products. This is why now-a-days it is common to find sellers of fish, fruits, sweets and yoghurts, electronic items, mobile accessories and more, showcasing their items on carts or on rugs outside mosques. If they see anything they like, some devotees start bargaining with sellers and most usually end up buying these items. Often sellers/hawkers can sell anywhere around Tk 1,000 to 2,000 worth of goods in a matter of half an hour.

Some devotees tend to move their discussion to local tea stalls as well as nearby restaurants. This also helps business at these eateries. The poor and needy are helped as some people give away money to them as charity. Leaflets and pamphlets from new shops, restaurants and service providing business organisations are also handed out outside a mosque.

These post-Jummah economic activities are growing in the country, especially in the urban and suburban areas. Some hawkers and vendors can consider this time to sell their products near their closest mosques.

Ahmad Sadi

MBA in Finance

Dhaka University