Visitors in their growing number throng the month-long Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) on Friday, a weekly holiday. FE REPORT
The month-long Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) drew a huge crowd on Friday as many visitors took the opportunity to do shopping and hang out at the fair venue.
Many visitors had to face chaotic situations due to the inadequate number of shuttle buses to and from different destinations to the annual fair venue.
The flagship trade show of the country is being held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center (BCFEC) in Purbachal.
The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) under the Ministry of Commerce has oganised the event aiming to promote local products and services to global buyers making the fair a massive matchmaking platform.
Traders also expressed satisfaction over the increased number of buyers that translated into better sales.
Visitors from different walks of life had started visiting the fair since the gates were opened in the morning. However, the crowd grew fast after the Juma prayer.
Long queues formed outside the venue early in the morning, with visitors eager to take advantage of exclusive discounts and offers.
Many families expressed their excitement about the diverse range of products and international presence at the fair.
"It's like a one-stop destination for shopping and entertainment," said Taslima Akter, a visitor who came with her family from Mirerbazar under Gazipur district.
"The kids are enjoying the rides in the amusement area, and we're getting to buy some foreign items at reasonable prices,” she said. “It's a great way to spend a holiday."
She however lamented over the poor arrangement of the restrooms.
Stalls selling electronics and home décor items drew particularly large crowds, with customers showing interest in eco-friendly products and modern gadgets.
The fair this year hosted some special pavilions showcasing the spirit of July revolution.
Such facilities included youth pavilion, July premises, Chhatrish (36) premises.
The fair remains open for visitors from 10.00 am to 9.00 pm everyday and till 10.00pm on holiday.
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus officially inaugurated the 29th edition of the DITF on January 1.
A chaotic situation was created in the evening when people started crowding out to board shuttle buses to their respective destinations.
State-owned BRTC runs a number of shuttle buses between the fair venue and destinations including Farmgate, Kuril, Narsingdi and Gazipur.
A visitor named Khurshid Ahmed along with his family was waiting for long for the bus to travel to Farmgate.
"I have been standing in the queue. However no bus is yet to be available," he said at around 7.30 pm.
Since 2021, the fair has been taking place at the new venue instead of the city’s Agargaon.
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