Desk Report,
Dhaka International Trade Fair is no longer ‘international’
The name of the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) is changing. From next year, the name of DITF will be Dhaka Trade Fair (DTF). The word ‘International’ is being dropped from the fair’s previous name. DITF has been organized since 1995. Although this fair was organized in Agargaon for a long time, it is now being jointly organized in Purbachal by the Ministry of Commerce and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).
Dhaka International Trade Fair is no longer ‘international’
This decision was taken at the 148th meeting of the board of directors of the organization at the EPB office on Monday. The meeting, held under the chairmanship of Commerce Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin at the EPB conference room, was attended by Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Mahbubur Rahman, Vice Chairman of EPB Md. Anwar Hossain, Additional Secretary (Export) Abdur Rahim Khan, President of the Readymade Garment Manufacturers Association (BGMEA), Mahmud Hasan Khan, President of Metro Chamber, Kamran Tanvir Rahman, among others. Regarding the change in the name of DITF, the Ministry of Commerce said in a press release that the aim of organizing the Dhaka International Trade Fair with domestic and foreign buyers and sellers was to showcase quality products and technologies through the direct participation of foreign organizations and to familiarize them with the local market. In reality, it is seen that many foreign organizations are participating through local agents or individuals instead of participating through embassies or government delegations. As a result, the quality of products and services cannot be verified. Sometimes, they are being presented under substandard or even local foreign brand names. Buyers are being cheated as foreign brands or manufacturers are not present directly. The international image of the exhibition is being tarnished.
In such a reality, the decision to change the name of the fair was taken. It is learned that many members opposed the change in the name of the fair in the meeting. However, EPB’s Board of Directors Chairman and Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin and Vice Chairman Md. Anwar Hossain were adamant about taking the decision.
When asked, EPB Vice Chairman Anwar Hossain told Prothom Alo that the Board of Directors has observed that although it is international in name, it is not an international fair in the true sense. Therefore, the decision to change the name of the fair has been taken.
It is known that for a long time, the stalls of companies from various countries including Turkey, Pakistan, India, etc. that have been participating in DITF will also be able to be at the Dhaka Trade Fair. The meeting approved the fair calendar for the 2025-26 fiscal year and the partial fair calendar for the 2026-27 fiscal year for participation in the international trade fair under the management of EPB.
Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin said, “We need to have an analysis of each fair. Where there is a need to expand the market for our country’s products, we have to participate effectively. Not only participation, but also the country’s development and business growth should be focused on.’
In line with the global market expansion and market diversification strategy for export-oriented industries and manufacturers, EPB has taken the initiative to organize a unique international sourcing fair. The EPB board of directors approved the organization of the fair titled ‘Sourcing Bangladesh 2025’ next November.
Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman said, ‘If sourcing fairs are not organized, the recognition of domestic products in the international arena will not increase. Our capacity will also not be built. He emphasized on taking initiatives to increase the promotion of sourcing fairs through Bangladesh embassies in different countries.’
