By this time, every scroll through my social media feed had become a synchronised swimming routine of dazzling wedding gowns, sarees, and engagement rings held against blurry sunsets. The captions were all some variation of "I get to do life with my best friend!" It felt like everyone was getting married.

I remember a time when the arrival of the crescent moon was marked not by a notification on a smartphone, but by the frantic, joyful scent of henna. As a child, my Chand Raat was defined by a singular mission: sitting perfectly still while my older cousins traced intricate mandalas on my palms. The orange-red stain the next morning was the ultimate badge of festive honour. Fast forward to the present, and my role has shifted significantly. Now, the night before Eid is less about the cooling sensation of mehedi and more about the precision of matching the colours of new curtains, repositioning the sofa for maximum guest capacity, and cross-checking the grocery list to ensure the shemai has just the right amount of saffron.This personal evolution mirrors a much larger transformation in how we celebrate. While the spirit of gratitude and community remains the bedrock of Eid-ul-Fitr, the "Eid Economy" and our cultural habits have undergone a digital and social revolution.

There is a particular kind of joy that arrives in a padded box, bubble-wrapped and postal-stamped, containing nothing more than a set of plastic squares. To the uninitiated, it might seem absurd, perhaps even wasteful, to spend upwards of BDT 20,000 on a collection of tiny caps designed to sit atop keyboard switches. But within the mechanical keyboard community, keycap collecting is a craft.

Eid is, above all else, a celebration of togetherness. Gatherings are alive with conversation and the warm hum of shared moments. And what better companion to those moments than great sound? Whether you are hosting a sprawling family dawat, road-tripping to a relative's home, or simply indulging in a private retreat with your favourite playlist after a long day of festivities, the right speaker or headphone can make all the difference. This Eid, we have scoured the market to bring you a definitive guide, from wallet-friendly picks to luxury statements, so that every reader, regardless of budget, can gift themselves (or a loved one) the joy of exceptional audio.

Eid morning opens like a warm window into family life and bright moods. Giving a present is a simple way to say I see you and I care. The best gifts match real routines and small joys. Think of a cozy cup for slow mornings, a favorite snack that brings a smile, a box of dates for sharing, or a ticket for a short outing together. Useful items and little treats can be just as meaningful as grand gestures. Let us explore different gift ideas you can try this Eid. For

As the holy month of Ramadan and the festivities of Eid-ul-Fitr approach, the landscape of consumer spending in Bangladesh is undergoing a digital transformation.

As Ramadan continues to reshape consumer spending and financial activity across Bangladesh, banks are witnessing a steady transformation in how customers transact, save, and manage money during the festive season.

Ramadan increasingly shapes Bangladesh’s annual economic rhythm.

Mutual Trust Bank PLC highlights how digital convenience is transforming Ramadan retail. In this interview, MD and CEO, Syed Mahbubur Rahman discusses fostering digital and smart paymentd through the MTB NEO app, MuthoPay, strategic rewards, and seamless MFS integrations to support consumer needs during the festive rush.

Mariam, a private jobholder, stood at the heart of a bustling shopping mall in Dhaka, while her arms were laden with vibrant Eid gifts for her friends and family.

United Commercial Bank PLC highlights how its digital solutions are transforming Ramadan retail.

In the holy month of Ramadan, Bangladesh is witnessing a significant digital transformation in its festive economy.

During Ramadan managing finances and making secure payments become a top priority. Recently, The Daily Star sat down with a representative from NRB Bank PLC to discuss how customer spending habits are changing during this festive season.

During this Ramadan, the nation’s payment landscape is undergoing a significant structural transformation. Sabbir Ahmed, Country Manager for Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan at Visa,

Amid rising inflation, Ramadan spending in Bangladesh is shifting toward debit and contactless payments.

The shift away from cash-heavy markets toward seamless digital payment ecosystems marks a turning point for the local banking sector. Mohd. Rafat Ullah Khan, Managing Director & CEO of Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC, emphasises on  the surge in digital adoption during this festive season.

EBL highlights how digital platforms and their EBL Skybanking application are transforming Ramadan retail. In this interview, Ali Reza Iftekhar, Managing Director of EBL details the bank’s efforts to foster value-driven “smart spending” through strategic merchant partnerships, secure remittances, and robust cashless payment systems.

As Ramadan and Eid increasingly reshape consumer spending patterns in Bangladesh, banks are accelerating digital innovation to support convenient financial transactions.

According to the latest Payment Systems report of Bangladesh Bank, in 2024, while ATM withdrawals remain significant at BDT 677 billion, they are now dwarfed by Internet Banking Fund Transfer (IBFT), which settled a staggering BDT 1,961 billion.

The Daily Star (TDS): With Ramadan approaching, how has your bank observed a shift in consumer spending behavior in recent years?