Traders in Patuatuli said that burkah (loose all-enveloping garb with veil worn by Muslim women) sales have seen a slump as these items are brought in from other countries toning down the demand for local products.

Customers now look for more foreign items, but bringing such items into the country is costly. The prices of these items are usually high.

"If we try to keep a large profit margin, the price of each burkah would be high and beyond the purchasing capacity of our customers," said Liaqat Hossain, owner of Jhumur Burkah House.

He said that his profits decreased by Tk 3,000 a month. "I made profits three times as much, five years back," he added. "Our investment is high as imported garbs cost more, yet we have to cater to customer's demands, but we cannot charge very high prices," he said.

The Azmeri Market in Patuatuli has 28 shops offering a wide range of burkahs. Apart from them the shops also sell hijab, scarves, advocate gowns, caps and dopattas (long scarf worn over the shoulders).

Saudi Burkah House, Kuwait Burkah Ghar, Iraqi Burkah House and Mishore (Egypt) Burkah Bitan have been named after Muslim countries to attract customers.

"Most customers believe the product has a link to the country if the shop is named after them," said Parvez Hossain of Jhumur Burkah House.

The traditional burkah is losing its flavour with trendy ones replacing it. Iranian, Turkish, Pakistani or Saudi Bbrkahs attract customers. Salespersons explained that the design names do not necessarily mean the item is made in that particular country.

"Burkahs are brought only from a few countries like Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates," said Liaqat Ali. He added that in most cases such items are brought into the country by 'luggage parties' -- people visiting those countries as tourists who bring about 100-150 pieces with them.

Burkah prices differ according to its material and design ranging from Tk 110-2,800. The cost of imported burkah is Tk 800 onwards. Georgette and Suskin are popular material for burkah.

Wearing burkah has become very popular in the last two years, commented some sellers.

"It may be because the newly designed burkahs are fashionable," said Parvez Hossain, a salesperson. "Women seem impressed having TV glimpses women in other countries wearing fashionable burkahs," he added.

But Mahbooba Matin, a housewife had a different opinion. "I don't think that's the case. I have been wearing burkah since I was a young girl. Women wear them because they follow religious beliefs," she said.

Traders however feel that though more women opt for burkah, the business is not doing well. "Customers from the new town are rare. Traffic congestion prevents them coming to the old part of Dhaka," said another trader.

"This is why we have many wholesale buyers from other city markets. Only some retail customers from old Dhaka and Keraniganj come here to buy burkahs," he added.