Huge crowd in DITF on final weekend

A large number of visitors thronged the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) 2019 during the weekend before the curtain falls on the fair on Saturday, reports UNB.

People came with their friends, family members, relatives and colleagues for a last-minute shopping. Exhibitors displayed local and foreign products including electronics, apparel, jute and leather goods, furniture, plastic products, and handcrafts and various food items.

Pavilions offering big discounts attracted the most customers. Some stalls displayed cards announcing discounts while some went as far as offering "buy one get ten items free" offer.

But there were some, like a group of university students that UNB spoke to, had come for roaming around the fairground. They said they wanted to take a look at the latest collection of goods.

Hasibul Hasan, a second-year student of Jagannath University, said: "The four of us came here together. We will shop if it is cheap."

Khadija Rahman, a regular at the fair, said she came from Mirpur. "I visit the fair every year and purchase various items. I am looking for big discounts. I bought a cloth with 60 per cent discount. Besides, I bought food items at Tk 500 package and toys for my children," she said.

Exhibitors said they got good response on the final holiday. Tipu Sultan, in-charge of Ashik Fashion, said they drew huge crowds this year with new products and more discounts. "We are selling blazers at 60 per cent discount," he said.

Shafiqul Alom, manager of Walton group said they too received great response on the day. Refrigerator, TV, smartphone and home accessories were mostly sold at their pavilions.

Record VAT collection at DITF.

Meanwhile, the government collected Tk 53 million VAT till Thursday from the fair. The amount was Tk 50 million in last DITF.

Moinul Khan, commissioner of Customs and VAT (Dhaka West Zone), told UNB that they had started special surveillance from 28 January with three teams. "These teams inspired traders to follow the rules and fined 25 organisations for tax evasion," he said.

Md Ramjan Ali, director general of Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), told UNB that the fair would conclude on Saturday. Commerce minister Tipu Munshi and former commerce minister Tofail Ahmed are expected to conclude the month-long fair.

"We will do better next year by solving mismanagement, improving the atmosphere and removing hawkers," Ramjan said. "We are trying to follow international standard in organising the fair. Seminars, product introduction, and discussions by renowned local and international people will be held at the fair ground from next year."