DITF with its pluses and minuses

The month-long Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) has began on January 11 at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Enthusiastic people of Dhaka are visiting the fair to buy their desired products. The Export Promotion Bureau and Commerce Ministry have jointly organised the fair. DITF organisation this year is different from that of last year. Fewer stalls have participated in the fair this year in which the authority has tried to add new flavour. There are kid's zone, Eco Park and garden. Besides, almost every stall has kids' playing zone. Traders are also offering discounts on items. The banks are providing one-stop service on the occasion and the state-owned Janata Bank Ltd and Sonali Bank Ltd, like many private banks, are providing ATM and other services to their valued clients.

It is frustrating that some renowned companies, like Unilever, haven't participated in the fair. There are complaints from the customers against the high prices and substandard quality of products. People hardly go to food shops as prices of the food items are too high. Price of entry ticket has been increased by taka 10 to Tk 30 this year which deters many people to go to the fair on several occasions. Dresses are of no variation in design; rather the sellers are asking exorbitant price as if the stores had come here to maximise their profits for this season. The dusty environment inside the fair prohibits people to wander about within the fair. But still people are visiting the fair in a jovial and festive mood.

Md Zonaed Emran

Executive Officer

Janata Bank Ltd

zonaed.emran@gmail.com