The mall does not only offer shopping opportunities but also different entertainment facilities to visitors. The authorities claim it is a unique mix of commerce and recreation.

However, many shops are yet to get ready to greet customers on the very first day as only around 500 of the total 29,000 units on six levels have completed interior decor

"At least 1,200 shops are undergoing decoration," said TIM Latiful Hussain, resident director of Bashundhara City Developers Ltd (BCDL). He said it might take the mall until early next year to run in full swing.

"In fact, we expected the shop owners to finish interior work much earlier," Hussain said. "But sometimes I feel that they are trying to do too much of makeover."

Moreover, a good number of shop owners are expatriate Bangladeshis who bought the shops and went abroad.

"They are quite slow in decorating the shops," he said.

However, Hussain said the ongoing interior work will not create any hindrance to shoppers.

"We are allowing shop owners to do the decoration work only at night and clean the area after work so that it does not disturb others," said Mohd. Ahsanullah, executive director of the BCDL.

Formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on August 5, the mall was initially planned to open for the general public on September 10.

"However, we shifted the date to October 4 at the request of many shop owners," said the resident director.

"We hope to make good business on the eve of the Puja and Eid," said Farid Ahmed of Western Music. But he thinks the incomplete shops will pose inconvenience for customers.

Although Shoppers may sulk a little at the thought of the incomplete shops, movie buffs need not worry as the multi-screen movie theatre with digital sound system will be opened on October 9. Each of the three sections of the theatre that can accommodate 262 people will offer tickets at different prices. Each ticket for the shows before 3pm will cost Tk 95 for the premium seats and Tk 150 for the VIP seats. Evening show tickets cost Tk 175 a piece for the premium and Tk 250 for the VIP seats. However, prices will be even higher for blockbuster movies. They cost Tk 125 and Tk 175 for the matinee show and Tk 225 and Tk 300 for the evening show.

The theme park inside the mall is also all set for the kiddies to have fun time. It will cost Tk 150 for a child to enter the park and enjoy all the nine rides including the magic carpet of Ali Baba. The video game corner is also ready for teens to enjoy.