The month-long 30th Dhaka International Trade Fair DITF)-2026 will begin today (Saturday) at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal.
Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin is scheduled to inaugurate the trade fair at 10am.
The event was originally slated to begin on January 1, but it was rescheduled to Saturday following the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, reports BSS.
Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) has confirmed that invitation cards already distributed for the original opening ceremony will remain valid for the rescheduled date on January 3.
At a recent press conference, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman said that the use of single-use plastic and polythene bags has been completely banned at this year's fair.
"Any stall or pavilion found using polythene bags will not be considered for any awards. As an alternative, jute bags will be supplied to visitors at affordable prices through a joint initiative of the Jute Diversification Promotion Center (JDPC) and the Ministry of Textiles and Jute," he added.
The Commerce Secretary said a total of 324 stalls and pavilions will be set up at the fair this year. With the participation of 11 foreign stalls and pavilions, the event will be recognized as an international trade fair.
This year, stalls and pavilion spaces have been allocated online under various categories. An e-ticketing system has been introduced, allowing visitors to enter the fair by purchasing tickets online and scanning QR codes, in addition to on-the-spot ticket purchases.
To facilitate transportation, dedicated Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) bus services will operate alongside concessionary-rate ride-sharing services provided by "Pathao."
Mahbubur Rahman further said that an 'Export Enclave' has been introduced for the first time this year. Under the banner "Best of Bangladesh", top products from seven export-oriented sectors, including leather and footwear and light engineering, will be showcased with the aim of enhancing engagement with foreign buyers.
He said a "Bangladesh Square" has been constructed at the fair venue to display photo exhibitions commemorating the Language Movement of 1952, the Great Liberation War, and the martyrs and injured of the July 2024 movement.
Sector-based seminars and workshops will also be organized to highlight the quality of Bangladeshi products and international compliance standards.
Special zones for electronics and furniture have been arranged for foreign entrepreneurs and companies. Seating corners have been set up for senior citizens, while two children's parks will be available for children's entertainment. An open cultural center will also be part of the fair.
Reserved stalls have been allocated for women, persons with disabilities, cottage, handloom, textile and handicraft entrepreneurs. To encourage youth power and innovative initiatives, various seminars and cultural programmes will be held throughout the month.
Products to be displayed at the fair include local textiles, machinery, carpets, cosmetics and beauty aids, electrical and electronics goods, furniture, jute and jute products, household items, leather, artificial leather and footwear, sports goods, sanitaryware, toys, stationery, crockery, plastic and melamine polymer products, herbal and toiletries, imitation jewelry, processed food, fast food, handicrafts, home d,cor, and more.
The Bangladesh Square has been set up on the southeast side of the center, the cultural center and recreational corner on the southwest side, two children's parks on the northeast side, and a mosque on the northwest side.
Adequate ATM booths will be available for banking services. A mother and child center will be set up for mothers and children. Other facilities include a blood collection center, mosque, comfortable seating for visitors, and seating corners for senior citizens.
To ensure smooth transportation for visitors, more than 200 dedicated BRTC shuttle buses will operate daily from Kuril Bishwaroad, Farmgate (Khejur Bagan/Khamarbari), Narayanganj, and Narsingdi starting from 8:00 am.
The last shuttle bus from the fairground will depart at 11:00 pm.
The fixed fares are: Taka 70 from Farmgate (Khejur Bagan/Khamarbari) to the fairground, Taka 40 from Kuril Bishwaroad, Taka 120 from Chashara, Taka 130 from Muktarpur, Taka 100 from Narsingdi, and Taka 100 from the fairground to Signboard (per person).
Ticket prices are Taka 50 for adults and Taka 25 for children under 12.
