The 2026 edition of the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) came to a close, presenting a lively marketplace of ideas, innovation, and growing consumer confidence. The 30th edition showcased cutting-edge products and stylish designs, drew thousands of visitors, and propelled overall sales to new heights.
Held at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Exhibition Centre (CBFEC) in Purbachal, on the outskirts of Dhaka, the country’s flagship trade showcase ran for a month and concluded on January 31. This time, domestic sales reached nearly Tk 393 crore, 3.42 percent higher than the previous year. Meanwhile, export orders amounted to Tk 224.26 crore.
Throughout the month, the fairground buzzed with activity as visitors streamed through local and foreign pavilions, examining everything from high-tech cookware and luxury furniture to electric vehicles and smart electronics.
CROCKERY AND COOKWARE IN HIGH DEMAND
Cookware and kitchen appliances emerged as standout performers at DITF 2026. According to Babul Akter, in-charge of Kiam Metal Industries Limited, a sister concern of BRB Group, visitors were particularly drawn to their hi-tech tri-ply cookware, blenders, and electric and induction cookers.
“Our products attracted visitors more due to innovation, quality, and reasonable pricing compared to others,” he said, adding that the company exports to India, the USA, and Malaysia.
Crowds were often seen testing induction cookers and inspecting cookware finishes, underscoring how modern kitchen solutions are increasingly influencing purchasing decisions.
LUXURY FURNITURE CATCHES THE EYE
Furniture pavilions also witnessed steady footfall, with both local and export-oriented brands showcasing contemporary designs.
Hatil Complex Ltd displayed new sofa sets and dining tables, offering fair-exclusive discounts ranging from 5 to 10 percent. “We received good responses from buyers,” said Mohammad Anwar Parvez Raj, manager for retail sales, noting that Hatil already exports to India, Nepal, and Middle Eastern countries, with plans underway to expand further into the US market.
First-time participant Luxury Aluminum Furniture also reported encouraging feedback. “Our aluminum furniture items are sustainable and well-designed,” said Sales and Marketing Manager Md Siddiqur Rahaman. “We attended the fair for the first time and got a good response from visitors due to innovative furniture designs.”
Brothers Furniture, meanwhile, attracted more visitors despite fewer completed sales at the DITF. Assistant Manager Shariful Islam said their new products drew attention, though higher-priced sofas ranging from Tk 65,000 to Tk 1.5 lakh made buyers more cautious. Still, the brand continues to export to India, Canada, and the Middle East.
July Pavilion
The pavilion set up by the July Shaheed Smrity Foundation at the DITF 2026, highlighting the sacrifices of students and the general public during the anti-discrimination student movement, attracted visitors. The gallery featured photographs and written accounts capturing the days, moments, and events from July 1 to July 36. A video display of recitations and speeches by martyr Sharif Osman Bin Hadi was shown, along with photographs of those who were martyred during the July uprising in 2024.
From morning till night, people from all walks of life, including students, visited the pavilion, which was created to pay tribute to the achievements of the new Bangladesh. Visitors came to learn and to share knowledge.
ELECTRIC MOBILITY AND SMART GADGETS
Electric vehicles and electronics emerged as one of the fair’s most talked-about segments, especially among younger visitors.
Akij Renewable Energy and Automobiles Ltd showcased a range of electric bicycles and auto-rickshaws. “As the electric bike is environment-friendly and reasonably priced, the products gained huge popularity among young people,” said Senior Executive Mohammad Tarikuzzaman.
PRAN-RFL’s newly launched electric scooter brand, Rydo, was another crowd-puller. Visitors actively enquired about features and took test drives, signaling strong market potential. Sales Executive Abu Said noted that Rydo currently offers nine models, both removable and non-removable battery variants, with driving ranges between 50 and 100 kilometers per charge and an average charging time of around six hours.
Meanwhile, Akij Electronics Ltd displayed new switches, sockets, cables, and bulbs. “Our company will bring more electronic products in the next three months,” said Pavilion In-charge Jahangir Alam, hinting at an expanding product pipeline.
EXPORT MOMENTUM
The fair concluded on an encouraging note. Based on data from 329 local and 11 foreign companies, export orders were received from Afghanistan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Turkey, according to Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin.
The month-long event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and was inaugurated on January 3.
EPB Vice Chairman Mohammad Hasan Arif highlighted the broader significance of the fair, noting that DITF continues to serve as a vital platform connecting local and global businesses through innovation, commerce, and collaboration.
“DITF 2026 showcased diverse products and innovations while fostering trade, investment, and business networking,” he added.
As awards were presented to outstanding pavilions, stalls, and enterprises, DITF 2026 drew to a confident close—underscoring how innovation, sustainability, and evolving consumer preferences are redefining Bangladesh’s trade landscape.
Photo: Rezwan Kobir Zoha
