The month-long 30th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) 2026 will commence at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal on Thursday, January 1.
Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman confirmed the matter in a press briefing held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal on Monday, December 29.
Speaking at the press briefing, he said that Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will inaugurate the fair.
The fair will feature 324 pavilions and stalls, showcasing a wide range of products, including textiles, machinery, carpets, cosmetics, electronics, furniture, handicrafts, food items, and home décor. Special zones have been created for women entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities, and cottage industries, alongside dedicated sections for electronics and furniture.
Online e-ticketing and on-site ticket purchase with QR code scanning will be available to improve visitor access, he said.
Dedicated BRTC shuttle buses and discounted Pathao rides will operate from major locations, including Kuril, Farmgate, Narayanganj, and Narsingdi. Ticket prices are Tk 50 for adults and Tk 25 for children under 12, with free entry for freedom fighters, persons with disabilities, and July 2024 movement victims upon presentation of ID cards.
The fair will also feature themed attractions such as Bangladesh Square, commemorating the Language Movement of 1952, the Liberation War, and the July 2024 movement. Recreational facilities include two children’s parks, a senior citizens’ seating corner, cultural centers, and open-air stages for seminars and performances.
Mahbubur further said that DITF 2026 will adhere to strict environmental guidelines, banning polythene and single-use plastics, with eco-friendly shopping bags available at subsidized rates. Security arrangements include deployment of police, RAB, armed forces, private security, CCTV monitoring, metal detectors, and a standby fire brigade.
Health and hygiene measures include medical facilities, separate toilets for men and women, and over 200 sanitation staff, along with daily mobile courts to ensure food safety. Visitors will also have access to cafeterias, restaurants, and extensive parking, including a multi-storey car park for over 500 vehicles, he added.
This is the fifth consecutive year the fair is being held at Purbachal. The event aims to promote domestic products, boost exports, and create employment opportunities. The fair will run daily from 9:55 am to 9:50 pm, extending to 10:00 pm on weekends.
NH/MHK