The Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) 2019 experienced a frantic rush of visitors on Friday, a weekly holiday, just before the event concludes today (Saturday).
Impact of the enormous crowd was reflected well in the sales volume, thanks to the increased discounts and offers, provided by the participating local or multinational businesses, at the fair's fag end.
Traders said many of the businesses multiplied their discounts and offers to sell out all the merchandises of their respective stalls.
The month-long event, being held in the city's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area, started drawing bulky crowd since 10:00 am on Friday, when the gates were open for visitors.
The crowd escalated as the time went on, particularly after the Juma prayer, said a gatekeeper Shahidul Islam.
"Undoubtedly this is the largest single-day crowd of DITF 2019," he said, adding that the supporting staffs like him had to face a tough time to manage the crowd.
Both of the fair entry gates were fully packed with visitors, coming from various parts of the capital as well as of the country.
During a troublesome visit to the DITF ground, the FE correspondent found that the shoppers were bouncing from one stall to another, carrying their purchased items like household objects, appliances and food items.
Most of the DITF visitors were seen carrying more than one shopping bag, filled with various goods bought at reduced prices.
Shah Jamal Howlader, a visitor hailing from the city's Mogbazar area, said despite strong willingness, he could not come to the expo earlier.
"This is the last scope for me to visit the fair, as I am busy with my office on the weekdays," said the person, who works for a private organisation in the capital.
Nasima Begum, a visitor hailing from Tongi, said she bought a roti-maker from a vendor at the fair.
She said the manufacturer was offering Tk 500 for the equipment on the day, whose regular price is Tk 3,500.
"I was in dilemma during another visit to the fair two weeks ago, but the huge discount has helped me to make final decision," she added.
Meanwhile, the crowd's move to and from the DITF venue caused severe gridlock on the roads and streets around the venue. People were seen approaching the fair entrances by walking a long distance through a large crowd.
Ministry of Commerce and Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) of Bangladesh have jointly organised DITF, which aims at promoting the country's export-oriented businesses.
Over 600 stalls are constructed in the fair under various categories - pavilion, mini pavilion and premiere stall.
A total of 52 organisations from 22 countries, including United States, United Kingdom, Iran, Pakistan, Australia, China, South Korea and Japan are participating in the annual expo.
The 24th edition of the fair will come to an end today, which was earlier scheduled to end on Friday. EPB sources said they extended the fair by one day upon the request of traders.
The mega event is coinciding with five-day real estate fair, being held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) next to the DITF venue. The REHAB Fair 2019 is organised by the country's realtors.
The two concurrent events are providing a good opportunity for many willing customers.
Naim Islam, a private banker, said he came to the area in the morning. "After visiting DITF, I am now going to REHAB Fair."
Showing annoyance over the crowd, he, however, said Friday brought a good opportunity for him to visit the two events simultaneously.
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