The long-running Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) has officially been renamed as Dhaka Trade Fair (DTF) as the flagship event of the Bangladesh government has lost its global character over the time.
The decision was made during the 148th board meeting of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), the fair organizing agency, on Monday. The meeting was chaired by Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin.
The change comes after concerns were raised about the fair’s diminishing international character. Originally launched in 1995, the fair was intended to serve as a platform for both local and foreign buyers and sellers, promoting high-quality goods and advanced technologies through direct participation from overseas companies.
However, in recent years, most foreign entities have been participating through local agents or representatives instead of directly through embassies or official trade delegations.
As a result, the fair has reportedly seen a rise in substandard products being marketed under the guise of foreign brands, misleading consumers and damaging the event’s international image.
Without direct involvement of authentic foreign brands or manufacturers, the credibility of showcased products cannot be verified. This has not only misled buyers but has also weakened the global appeal of the fair, officials told the meeting.
The rebranding to Dhaka Trade Fair is aimed at realigning the event’s identity with its current format and participants. Officials noted that the shift reflects the fair’s more localised nature and will set clearer expectations for attendees and exhibitors.
The EPB board also approved the trade fair calendar for the 2025–2026 fiscal year, along with a partial calendar for 2026–2027.
Bashir Urges for Expansion of Local Product Markets
The commerce adviser has emphasized the need for Bangladesh to participate more effectively in both local and international trade fairs to expand markets for domestic products. He stated that each fair—whether held at home or abroad—should be thoroughly analyzed to determine its potential for contributing to the country’s trade growth.
During the meeting, Bashir said, “We must be strategic. We need to focus on markets where expansion is necessary and participate in trade fairs that serve that purpose effectively.”
Addressing the importance of overseas trade fair participation, he added, “It’s not just about being present. We must ensure that our participation contributes to national economic growth and business development.”
As part of Bangladesh’s strategy to diversify its export markets and support export-oriented industries, the EPB has initiated plans to organize a dedicated international sourcing fair. The board approved the proposal to host “Sourcing Bangladesh 2025” in November.
Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman stressed the significance of organizing such events, saying, “Without sourcing fairs, Bangladeshi products will not gain visibility on the global stage, and we will miss the opportunity to build our capacity.”
He also urged increased promotional efforts through Bangladeshi embassies abroad to attract international buyers and stakeholders.
Also present at the meeting were Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, EPB Vice Chairman Md. Anwar Hossain, Additional Secretary (Export) Abdur Rahim Khan, Bangladesh Garment Manufactuers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan, and Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) President Kamran Tanvir Rahman.