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The Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) saw a high turnout on Friday as the fair authorities said that more than 80,000 visitors came to the fair on the weekend.
It was seen that people started crowding into the fairground at Purbachal New Town just after Juma prayers. They were standing in long queues to buy tickets from 50 counters.
The crowd was surging in the evening. Due to the high turnout, there was a one-kilometre tailback on the road from Purbachal Kanchan Bridge to the fairground.
Aminul Haque, a private employee, came to the fair with his wife and two children from Mirpur. He said, “The prices of goods are a bit high but the quality is good.”
People showed more interest in buying crockeries, furniture, shoes, and household items resulting in huge crowds at the jute and crockery shops.
However, most of the businessmen have expressed satisfaction with their sales on this day. They are offering discounts ranging from 15 to 40 per cent on almost all types of products.
Crockery trader Abdur Rahman said, “Sales are increasing towards the end of the fair. But sales are slightly lower due to relocation of the trade fairground.”
Blazer seller Ariful Haque said, “Sales are good but not as expected as residents of Dhaka do not want to come to Purbachal though they are our target customers. At Purbachal, people are coming more from the village, but they buy less.”
The number of foreign traders in this year's DITF is less. Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Nepal, and Indian stalls are just a few. But among these, Indian stalls are more predominant.
Mehmood Khan, a trader from Indian-controlled Kashmir said, "We have not participated in the trade fair in Dhaka for 10 years. But this time the situation is quite different. Sales are low.” He believes that the late start of the fair is largely responsible for this.
Meanwhile, the buyers are complaining about the location and transportation. But the key complaint is about the prices of the products.
Shariful Islam, a resident of Gazipur, said, “Discounts are being given by increasing the prices of products. Still, the price is high.” He claimed that the same thing is sold at a lower price in the market.
Making the same claim, Sabbir Ahmed from Narsingdi said that people's purchasing power has decreased a lot. “In this situation, the discount being given is not very useful.”
