Dhaka: The month-long 30th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF)-2026 is set to commence tomorrow at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal. Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin is scheduled to inaugurate the event at 10 am.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the trade fair, originally slated to begin on January 1, was rescheduled to Saturday following the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) has confirmed that invitation cards 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 announced that single-use plastic and polythene bags have been completely banned at this year's fair. 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.
The Commerce Secretary also revealed that a total of 324 stalls and pavilions will be set up at the fair, with the participation of 11 foreign stalls and pavilions, marking the event as an international trade fair. Stall 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 mentioned 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 will be showcased to enhance engagement with foreign buyers.
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 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 a part of the fair.
Reserved stalls have been allocated for women, persons with disabilities, and cottage, handloom, textile, and handicraft entrepreneurs. Various seminars and cultural programs will be held throughout the month to encourage youth power and innovative initiatives.
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, and home d©cor.
The fair will feature adequate ATM booths for banking services, a mother and child center, a blood collection center, and ample seating for visitors. More than 200 dedicated BRTC shuttle buses will operate daily from various locations. Ticket prices are Taka 50 for adults and Taka 25 for children under 12. Freedom fighters, persons with disabilities, and those injured in the July movement will be allowed free entry upon showing valid cards.
Organized since 1995, the Dhaka International Trade Fair aims to promote, expand, and market domestic products, support production, and create employment opportunities. Security measures include deployment of police, Armed Police Battalion, RAB, intelligence agencies, and other law enforcement personnel, alongside private security guards and CCTV surveillance.
Special emphasis has been placed on cleanliness, with over 200 cleaners engaged round the clock. To ensure food quality, mobile courts will conduct daily anti-adulteration drives. Five institutions have been allocated restaurant facilities, and a 500-seat cafeteria inside the exhibition center will serve quality food at fixed prices. Doctors and patient care attendants will provide free primary healthcare and medical advice.
The fairground will offer ample car parking facilities, including a two-storey building for more than 500 vehicles, additional parking space on six acres of land, and three large parking areas. A temporary secretariat and an information center have been set up to monitor activities and provide information to visitors.