Trade fair sees weekend rush

Amid surge of Covid-19 infection due to Omicron wave, huge visitors from different parts of the country gathered at the 26th edition of Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) at Bangladesh-China Friendship Centre in Purbachal. Amid the growing concern over the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus, the government on January 13 imposed fresh restrictions on movement of people and public transport vehicles. But the continuation of the trade fair has disappointed the health experts.

During a visit on Friday, it was found that people from the capital Dhaka and different parts of the country thronged the fair venue since morning. Ignoring the Covid-19 health rules, the visitors accompanied by loved ones or family members roaming the premises without maintaining physical distance, taking selfies and gather at stalls to purchase goods. Jahirul Haq, who came from Narsingdi district with his family members said, "As the fair is going to end within few days, we have come to visit it.

We are happy to see the permanent venue of the trade fair. It has become convenient for people from adjoining areas like Dhaka, Gazipur, Narsingdi, Narayanganj as the DITF venue has permanently set up in Purbachal." Though there were arrangements of face masks and hand sanitizer at the main entrance of fair, visitors were reluctant to follow health rules.

The month-long Dhaka International Trade Fair-2022 began on January 1. A total of 225 stalls including 23 pavilions, 27 mini pavilions, 162 stalls and 15 food stalls of various business groups, companies and individuals from home and abroad are taking part in the fair this time.