The Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF)-2022 will end tomorrow (Monday) as the trade fair time is not being extended anymore due to the worsening situation of coronavirus infection.
Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Secretary of Export Development Bureau (EPB) and Director of the Trade Fair confirmed this information on Saturday.
He said, “We are carrying out the activities of the trade fair in compliance with the health rules.”
“Though the fair is scheduled to end on January 31, the fair timetable will not be extended anymore,” said Chowdhury.
“The closing ceremony of the fair will be held on the last day. The presence of buyers during the holidays was noticeable, as a result of which the traders have benefited fairly,” he mentioned.
Earlier, on January 25, the Covid-19 National Technical Advisory Committee recommended the closure of trade fair and postponement of book fairs due to the massive increase in corona infection. However, the trade fair activities were still going on.
Visitors, particularly youths were found thronging the fair amid much enthusiasm and showing good responses in buying different products, including cookeries, cosmetics, clothes, electronic items and so on despite the corona pandemic.
This time, the trade fair is being held on its permanent premises at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center (BBCFEC) in Purbachal on the outskirts of Dhaka.
Last Friday, the Cabinet Division issued five emergency directives to prevent coronavirus infection.
The directive says that masks must be used in all kinds of public gatherings including markets, mosques, bus stands, launch terminals and railway stations.
The administration or law enforcement will monitor the matter.
Despite the government imposing strict rules to ward off the rising coronavirus new variant, a large number of people gather at the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) and do not maintain health rules. However, this year's trade fair features several special arrangements, including DITF e-shop, small scale medical centre, blood donation centre and others.
A total of 225 stalls including 23 pavilions, 27 mini pavilions, 162 stalls and 15 food stalls of various business groups, companies and individuals from home and abroad are taking part in the fair this time.
Apart from business stalls and pavilions, there are food courts, restrooms, and a playground for kids at the fair.
The gate of the international trade fair opens at 10 am every day and closes at 9 pm, except for government holidays when the fair runs till 10pm.
