Dhaka Trade Fair kicks off today

The 29th edition of the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) 2025 begins today at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal on the outskirts of Dhaka.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus will inaugurate the event at 10am, said Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin at a press conference held on the fair premises yesterday.

The press conference was attended by Commerce Secretary Md Selim Uddin, Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Vice Chairman Md Anwar Hossain, and Additional Commerce Secretary Md Abdur Rahim Khan, among others.

Innovation and tribute in focus

As in previous years, the commerce ministry, in collaboration with the EPB, has organised the annual programme at the same venue for the fourth consecutive time.

The month-long fair, featuring 361 pavilions, stalls, and restaurants, promises an enhanced experience for visitors through innovative facilities and services.

Alongside Bangladeshi enterprises, a total of 11 companies from seven countries, including India, Pakistan, Turkey, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, will participate in the event.

This year introduces e-ticketing for entry, a first for the event, allowing visitors to purchase tickets online for a hassle-free experience. 

The allocation of stall and pavilion spaces was also conducted online, ensuring 100% transparency.

Additionally, an MoU was signed between the EPB and Uber to offer special discounts on transportation for fair visitors, complementing the dedicated bus service provided by the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation.

To honour the sacrifices of students and the public during the mass uprising that led to the ouster of the Awami League government, the July Square (July Chattar) and Thirty-Six Square (Chhatris Chattar) have been established within the fairgrounds. 

A Youth Pavilion has also been introduced to inspire young people to engage in export trade.

The fair includes zones tailored to specific interests, such as a sourcing corner, electronics and furniture zones for foreign entrepreneurs, and a technology corner.

A sitting corner for senior citizens and a children's park for young visitors' entertainment ensure inclusivity for all age groups. Cultural, recreational, and prayer areas are strategically placed across the venue for added convenience.

Visitors will find a diverse range of products, such as textiles, electronics, furniture, jute goods, leather products, household items, imitation jewellery, processed foods, handicrafts, and more.

The exhibition centre boasts robust infrastructure, including a two-story parking building accommodating over 500 vehicles, supplemented by a 6-acre outdoor parking area.

Cleanliness remains a priority, with an ample number of separate toilets for men and women inside and outside the exhibition hall.

To ensure visitors' safety, law enforcement agencies, including police, the Rapid Action Battalion, and intelligence teams, will maintain vigilance throughout the event.

CCTV cameras have been installed at critical points, such as entry gates and parking areas. 

A control room will monitor all activities, and an anti-adulteration mobile court led by an executive magistrate will oversee food quality daily.

Round-the-clock medical assistance will be available, with a doctor and patient care attendant on-site to provide free first aid and advice.

Bank booths will be set up to facilitate financial transactions, and a mother-and-child centre will cater to the needs of families with young children.

The fair will operate daily from 10am to 9pm, extending until 10pm on weekends. Visitors can access information and assistance through a dedicated information centre.

Comfortable seating areas, elegant benches, and senior citizen corners ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.

In addition to the exhibition, seminars on potential sectors and products are planned to enhance trade opportunities.

The fair seeks to provide a platform for domestic and international businesses to network and explore collaboration, contributing to the nation's export growth.

This year's trade fair combines tradition and innovation, offering a vibrant marketplace and a platform for cultural exchange.