New Market (নিউ মার্কেট)

New Market stands on Mirpur Road in central Dhaka, north of Azimpur and opposite Chandni Chowk, close to the University of Dhaka and the Dhanmondi area. It is one of the largest and best known shopping markets in Bangladesh.

The market was planned in the early 1950s to serve the growing residential areas around the university, Azimpur, Ramna and Dhanmondi. Construction began in 1952 during the term of Nurul Amin as Chief Minister of East Bengal, and the market opened in 1954. From the 1950s to the early 1990s it was the city's leading shopping destination.

The original market is triangular in plan, with high arched gates on three sides, rows of shops around the edge and an open lawn at the centre, and it was built with space for about 440 shops. Over time the area grew into a cluster of neighbouring markets, including Chandni Chowk, Gausia and Nurjahan markets, together with crowded footpath stalls.

Shoppers come for clothing, saris and fabrics, shoes, bags, cosmetics, kitchenware, books, stationery and fresh produce. Prices are generally lower than in modern shopping malls, and bargaining is normal. The surrounding lanes are especially busy before Eid.

The market is closed on one day each week and keeps daytime to evening hours. Rickshaws are the easiest way to arrive, as traffic around the area is heavy.

The original site covered 35 acres, about 14 hectares, which is why the triangular block still feels large beside the newer buildings. The extra blocks along the north side, including Gausia market, were added in the 1980s by Dhaka City Corporation, and they now hold much of the fabric and wedding-clothes trade.