Narayanganj Correspondent

The 29th Dhaka International Trade Fair begins today, Wednesday, at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal. The interim government’s Chief Advisor, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, will inaugurate the fair at 10 AM. These details were shared at a press conference organized in the fair premises.

Present at the press conference were Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin, Commerce Ministry Secretary Selim Uddin, Trade Fair Organizer Anwar Hossain, and Additional Secretary (Export) Abdur Rahim Khan, among others.

There was some uncertainty about organizing the fair due to the law-and-order situation following the fall of the Awami League government. However, overcoming these concerns, the Ministry of Commerce and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) are jointly organizing the event this year.

**Key Features of the Fair:**

1. **Online Stall Allocation and E-Ticketing:** For the first time, various categories of stalls/pavilions were allocated online, and an e-ticketing system was introduced.

2. **Special Bus Services:** In addition to BRTC’s dedicated bus service, special transportation services have been arranged for visitors.

3. **Youth Pavilion and July Square:** A "Youth Pavilion" was created to encourage the younger generation in export trade, and spaces like "July Square" and "36 Square" honor past movements for equality.

4. **International Participation:** Participants from seven countries, including India, Pakistan, Turkey, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, are attending the fair, representing 11 organizations.

The fairgrounds feature several thematic zones such as Technology Corner, Senior Citizen Sitting Areas, and Kids’ Park, ensuring convenience for visitors of all ages. Cleanliness, security, and visitor comfort have been prioritized, with sufficient restrooms, banking services, a mother-and-child center, and ample parking spaces for over 500 vehicles.

The fair will run throughout the month, opening daily from 10 AM to 9 PM (until 10 PM on weekends).’

Mobile Court Fines  5 Shopkeepers

In Araihazar, Narayanganj, a mobile court fined five shopkeepers for selling food in unhygienic conditions and operating without renewed trade licenses. The operation, led by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and municipal executive Sajjat Hossain, took place on Tuesday (December 31) afternoon in the Araihazar market. The total fines amounted to 11,000 BDT. Additionally, 15-20 other shops were warned during the operation.

The fined shops include:

- Bikrampur Sweets: 2,000 BDT

- Mintu’s Sweet Shop: 1,000 BDT

- Muslim Sweets: 3,000 BDT

- Tanna Sweets: 2,000 BDT

UNO Sajjat Hossain stated that penalties were imposed and collected from five shops, and several others were cautioned. Regular operations will be conducted to ensure compliance. The fines were imposed due to unhygienic conditions and lack of renewed trade licenses.

Present during the operation were Araihazar Municipal Executive Officer Kazi Md. Mostafa Kamal, Assistant Engineer Safayet Sadi, and Sub-Assistant Engineer Shafiqul Islam Tushar. The operation was supported by Araihazar police and Ansar personnel.