Defying the on-going blockade and hartals, hundreds of visitors are thronging the 14th International Trade Fair in Khulna encouraging the authorities to extend the fair by 15 days.
Jointly organised by Khulna Chamber of Commerce and Industries and Ms Chameli Traders, the fair kicked off on February 14 on Khulna Circuit House premises and was supposed to end on March 15.
Though the fair started off slow, it soon garnered momentum with huge presence of visitors and customers. This has prompted the authorities to extend the fair till March 30.
The fair with its 160 stalls and eight pavilions have a range of products from clothes to cosmetics to household items on display. Many small traders are also participating in the fair with their home-made products and crafts. Besides, an entertainment zone with various rides for kids has added extra flair to the fair.
The fair authorities said they were selling about 3,000 tickets, priced at Tk10 each, every day.
Housewife Hasina Akter from Daulatpur said it was refreshing to come out of home and be in the fair despite the political unrest.
Sonia Khatun, a college student from Sonadanga, said she was happy to see so many people in the fair. She bought some cosmetics.
Another visitor from Boyra, Shahidul Islam, came to the fair with his family and said the fair saw more people in the evening, though that was also the most risky hours to commute.
Md Kamrul and Munna Sheikh, representatives of Dhaka’s Aslam Shoes, were very happy with the business.
Owner of Razia Crockery, said: “I was in doubt about renting the stall and paying the staffs. But now the surge in customer means I can finally make some profits.”
The same sentiment was expressed by other traders who were sceptical about the fair in the beginning.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Khulna Metropolitan Police, Sheikh Moniruzzaman Mithu, said they had increased security around the fair keeping the political situation in mind.
“Though we initially ordered to close the fair within 5pm, we have increased the security and the time considering the huge turnout of visitors,” he added.
Owner of Chameli Traders, Mia Md Rasel, said: “We have set up 20 close-circuit cameras around the fair venue. Moreover, about 150 volunteers are working along with the police to ensure law and order. This has helped get us more visitors.”
Kazi Aminul Haque, president of Khulna Chamber of Commerce and Industries, welcomed the increased flow of visitors and said they fair will continue till March 30 as per the demand of the business community.