'Shoe-thrower' lace-up becomes top seller

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-09-17 11:20

A type of shoe named after the man who tried to hit former US President George W. Bush with his own footwear has reportedly become a top seller in north-eastern Bangladesh.

Shops in the city of Sylhet have reportedly dubbed a black and brown lace-up the "Zaidi shoe" after journalist Muntazer al-Zaidi who was imprisoned following the incident at a press conference in Iraq last year.

Store owner Abdul Awal told AFP: "It's the latest fad in Sylhet. Everyone wants to be wearing the Zaidi.

"It looks like your average men's dress shoe but it's been sold for up to 2,200 taka (£20) which is at the very top end of the market in Bangladesh."

Businessman Faruq Mahmud Chowdhury said: "Younger men especially are buying the shoes as a mark of their respect to Zaidi."

Zaidi was released early for good behaviour this week after nine months' imprisonment. His initial three-year sentence was reduced to one year on appeal.