BRAC Bank hosts TARA Uddokta Mela to promote women entrepreneurs

A three-day fair titled 'TARA Uddokta Mela 2026' began at the Aloki Convention Centre in Dhaka on Friday, aiming to promote locally made products by women entrepreneurs and create a market for them.
Hosted by BRAC Bank, the fair will remain open to the public until March 1, from 10:00am to 11:00pm daily, says a press statement.
Meheriar M. Hasan, chairperson of BRAC Bank, inaugurated the fourth edition of the fair. Independent directors Lila Rashid and Anita Ghazi Rahman were present at the ceremony, alongside Tareq Refat Ullah Khan, managing director and CEO of the bank, and Syed Abdul Momen, additional managing director and head of SME Banking.
A total of 88 women entrepreneurs from across Bangladesh are participating in the fair, showcasing a wide range of locally crafted products. Many of them represent the manufacturing sector, contributing to the preservation of traditional craftsmanship and the advancement of inclusive economic growth.
As in previous years, BRAC Bank has provided stall facilities free of charge.
The exhibition features an extensive collection of Bangladeshi products, including boutique and hand-stitched apparel, handmade crafts, clay and jute items, leather goods, Jamdani and Muslin attire, organic skincare products, bamboo and rattan items, and a variety of traditional foods.
Visitors can also enjoy dedicated Iftar and dinner food courts, creating a festive and engaging environment ahead of Eid.
To promote digital financial inclusion, BRAC Bank has enabled seamless QR code-based digital payments across all stalls, helping women entrepreneurs transition into a cashless ecosystem. Customers are also enjoying discounts of up to 20% on purchases made through QR payments during the fair.
Commenting on the initiative, Tareq Refat Ullah Khan, Managing Director and CEO, BRAC Bank, said, "Women entrepreneurs are key drivers of inclusive growth in the country. Through TARA Uddokta Mela, we are creating meaningful market access while preserving our rich heritage. This initiative reflects our long-term commitment to empowering women and enabling them to scale their businesses."