Chawkbazar in Dhaka has become the largest wholesale toy market in Bangladesh, attracting retailers and new entrepreneurs from Dhaka and beyond. The market, comprising No. 1 Lane, Friendship Market, Madina Asik Tower, and Bismilla Tower, offers a vast array of toys at wholesale prices. General consumers can also purchase toys here at lower costs.
The market features a diverse range of toys, including wooden and bamboo toys, plastic toys, paper flowers, toy pistols, bubble makers, kites, Rubik's Cubes, dolls, inflatable balls, pumped footballs, puzzle cards, guitars, game cards, indoor games like Ludo and chess, toy cars, bicycles, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and remote-controlled vehicles.
Toy prices vary depending on the type and quantity. For instance, wooden spinning tops start at 4 taka, bamboo flutes at 6 taka, plastic flutes from 7 to 40 taka, and toy pistols from 27 to 250 taka. The market also offers footballs, pumping machines, puzzle cards, cricket bats, archery sets, walkie-talkies, and various toy vehicles.
During the FIFA World Cup season, the market sees an increase in demand for football-related items, including flags, wristbands, stickers, view cards, and badges. Prices for these items range from 40 to 800 taka.
Friendship Market, located opposite No. 1 Lane, offers a variety of toys, including cloth dolls priced from 40 to 3,000 taka. The market also features a wide range of footballs, game cards, Ludo, chess, and block sets.
Chawkbazar is primarily a wholesale market, but during the World Cup season, many shops sell products in smaller packages. Retail purchases may incur slightly higher prices. The market is busiest in the afternoon, so visiting between 10 AM and 1 PM is recommended for a more leisurely shopping experience.
Chawkbazar is not directly accessible by bus. Visitors can reach Bakshi Bazar or Babu Bazar Bridge by bus and then take a rickshaw to the market. The market is closed on Fridays, operating from Saturday to Thursday, 10 AM to 9 PM.
