<div><b><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday (January 21, 2024) inaugurated the month-long Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) at Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre (BBCFEC) at Purbachal.</span><br></b></div><div><br></div><div>Six foreign countries -- Turkey, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Iran -- alongside local companies are taking part in the 28th edition of the fair where exhibitors will showcase products.</div><div><br></div><div>The Prime Minister also declared Handicrafts Products as the product of the year for 2024.</div><div><br></div><div>State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam, Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Mahbubul Alam and vice-chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) AHM Ahsan were also present on dais.</div><div><br></div><div>The fair will continue from January 21 to February 20. The Ministry of Commerce and the EPB have been organising trade fairs since 1995.</div><div><br></div><div>The DITF usually commences on 1 January each year. However, the EPB postponed the fair due to the 12th national elections held on January 7.</div><div><br></div><div>The trade fair will run from 10 am to 9 pm daily and to 10 pm on weekends. The entry fee is Tk 50 for adults and Tk 25 for children. Freedom fighters and the physically challenged people need no fee.</div><div><br></div><div>BRTC buses have been arranged from Farmgate and Kuril Biswa Road to the fair premises for the convenience of general visitors.</div><div><br></div><div>A total of 330 stalls have been allotted along with 23 pavilions and 27 mini pavilions.</div><div><br></div><div>There will also be 15 food stalls of different categories which can accommodate up to 500 people.</div><div><br></div><div>There are also a prayer room, children's playground, media corner, office rooms, medical rooms, guest-rooms for officials, and stores.</div><div><br></div><div>The parking area can provide facilities for 500 vehicles. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>