The month-long Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) is set to begin on Wednesday (January 1) at its permanent venue – “Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre '' – at Purbachal on the outskirts of the capital.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to inaugurate the fair around 10 am at Purbachal, Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin told a press briefing at the fair venue premises on Tuesday.

Ride-sharing service provider Uber will offer discounts for visitors to the fair under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during the event with the Export Promotion Bureau.

Besides, the adviser inaugurated an e-ticketing app for fair entry.

Like previous years, the fair is jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).

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This year, E-ticketing service will be introduced for the first time while a number of stalls and pavilions were allocated through online.

Apart from the BRTC’s dedicated bus services, visitors can avail the opportunity of Uber at a discount price.

Besides, July Chattar and Chattrish Chattar have been established at the fair venue as a mark of respect for the sacrifices made during the student-led mass movement. A Youth Pavilion has been set up to inspire the younger generation to engage in export trade.

Meanwhile, a total of 361 pavilions/stalls/restaurants have been allocated to local producers, exporters, general businesses, and foreign companies through transparency.

Different products including, textiles, machinery, cosmetics, electronics, furniture, leather goods, handicrafts, processed foods, home décor, and other items will be displayed for selling purpose at the fair.

Besides, 11 companies from seven countries—India, Pakistan, Turkey, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Malaysia—are participating in the fair.

Adequate measures have been taken to ensure security at the fair venue. Law enforcing members including Police, Armed Police Battalion, RAB, intelligence agencies and other law enforcement personnel will be deployed.

Besides, CCTV cameras were installed at key locations and regular patrols around the venue.

Anti-adulteration mobile court drives will be operated daily under the supervision of executive magistrates.

A control room and information centre has been set up for overall monitoring and visitor assistance.

The month-long fair will be open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, extending to 10:00 PM on weekends.