Dhaka trade fair preparations in full swing

Defying the chilling cold wave on Thursday morning, workers were seen busy setting up stalls, pavilions and other infrastructure inside the venue for the biggest trade fair in Bangladesh.

Preparations for the 25th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF), to begin from the first day of 2020, are in full swing at the Sher-E-Bangla Nagar area of the capital.

"Almost three-quarters of the total work is already done. The remaining work will be finished by December 30," said Md Khalekuzzaman, the field inspector of DITF 2020.

"Labourers are working 24 hours, in three shifts, at the venue to finish the preparation before the deadline," said Khalekuzzaman. 

The preparations began on November 12 this year, he added. The Export Promotion Bureau is the organising institution of the trade fair.

There will be 27 foreign pavilions, 66 premier pavilions, 11 general pavilions, 8 reserved pavilions, 77 general mini pavilions, 47 premier mini pavilions, 11 foreign mini pavilions and 6 reserved mini pavilions in the fair.

There will also be 84 premier stalls, 17 foreign premier stalls, 50 general stalls and 35 food stalls.

The fair will have two dedicated playing zones for children.

According to DITF sources, over 100 CCTV cameras will be set up in the venue for 24-hour surveillance. Police, Rapid Action Battalion and Border Guards Bangladesh will provide security at the event.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people visit the fair to buy different products from Bangladesh and overseas.

Local and foreign brands decorate their stalls displaying various kinds of products including electronics, cars, carpets, toys, ceramics, sanitary products, handicrafts, ready-made garments, home appliances, furniture, textiles, jute products, winter clothes, leather goods, jewellery, etc.

Visitors are frequently awarded attractive discounts, special offers, gifts and lotteries during the fair.