The Dhaka International Trade Fair-2023 drew a huge crowd at Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre (BBCFEC) at Purbachal on Friday.
An FE correspondent visited the venue and found potential buyers browsing products at different stalls, mini-pavilions and pavilions.
Traders said they were getting a good response from customers as the event is scheduled to end on January 31.
"The volume of sale is gradually increasing. We hope our turnover this year will be satisfactory," said Md Siraj, a salesman of a stall that sells dried food items.
Visitors from Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj and adjoining areas crowded different stalls, especially those dealing in home appliances and clothes.
Besides, stalls selling different ice cream varieties also witnessed a significant number of customers, mainly children, teenagers and youths.
A host of stalls are displaying local and foreign products, including electronics, apparel, jute, leather goods, furniture, plastic products, handcrafts and various food and clothing items.
However, many visitors complained about exorbitant prices of most products.
But traders denied the allegations, saying that they were compelled to sale the products at a bit high prices due to increased prices of raw materials.
They claimed they were selling products with a little profit margin.
"I visit the fair every year and purchase various items. I'm looking for big discounts. I bought a dress at 40-per cent discount," said Minu Begum, a visitor from Wari.
"I visited the fair to purchase some essential items for my family," Md Alamin, a private job-holder who came from Tongi, told the FE.
Local businesses along with Indian, Iranian and Pakistani traders are displaying hand- and machine-made designer bedspreads, tableware, blankets, three-pieces and others, which attracted visitors.
Traders hope to make a good profit by selling their products this year.
A salesman of a leading furniture company said they are offering discounts and free delivery service in the capital only.
His company is displaying just a few furniture items in the stall due to space and godown shortages on the fair premises.
Security has been tightened for visitors. However, traffic jam formed on the roads leading to the DITF-2023 venue due to a heavy crowd on the weekend.
The fair venue remains open from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm every day. On Fridays, it remains open till 10:00 pm.
The ticket prices range from Tk 20 to Tk 40, but freedom fighters get free entry.
Special BRTC bus service is also available from Kuril to the BBCFEC for visitors.
