When Jahidul Islam, a third-year private university student, and his family from Netrakona walked into the Dhaka International Trade Fair 2019 on Monday, the group did not expect to be buying tricycles.
After a walk around the fair grounds for over one hour, Jahid’s younger brother Zakir drew his attention to a three-wheeler displayed in front of the a2i stall, installed besides the information centre of Export Promotion Bureau of Bangladesh.
Jahid said in stark contrast to all the glittering products in display, this strange looking vehicle really caught their eye.
“Going into the stall was a good decision for all of us,” he said.
The family ended up buying a number of things from the stall, including two pieces of Shikkhar Jonno Alo, an environment friendly LED solar light specially designed for the inhabitants of electricity deprived zones.
“This will be very useful for my two brothers, who are students,” Jahid said.
The tricycle on display was not for sale, but a2i was taking pre-orders for it.
A2i operates with support from Cabinet Division, ICT Division, USAID and UNDP Bangladesh to facilitate public service and social innovation in Bangladesh to ensure accessible services for all.
The tricycle is unique because it is designed for persons with disabilities, with only one handlebar and one seat. Manufactured locally, it can be can be powered by both solar and grid electricity.
“I think it will be very useful for my cousin who has a disability and cannot move easily,” Jahid said, adding that a2i could not provide the tricycle immediately, but had taken all necessary information in this regard.
Staff attendant of the stall, Ayesha Siddika Rumki, said they were getting a very good response from young people.
“We wanted to display these innovations primarily to create awareness, but seeing the eagerness of the people, we have decided to sell a few of our items,” she added.
Another Staff Attendant MM Tariqul Huq said they have already sold around 30 LED solar lights and received more then 20 orders for solar powered tricycles and low cost power tillers.
He said most of the visitors are gathering detailed information about these items. a2i is showcasing 11 selected, affordable locally developed products at the fair.
Among the items, five were developed for the wellbeing of persons with disabilities, two for students, one for food and two innovations are related to health care in rural areas.
A2i Young Professional Shuaib Shahriar Rusho said millions of people visit the DITF every year and to take the opportunity, a2i installed their first ever stall here this year.
“We are ready to sell Shikkhar Jonno Alo, Smart Blind Sticks and some tricycles. The prototype of dual system refrigerator is displayed here but it will get its final within the end of the fair,” he added.
Smart Blind Sticks will assist visually-impaired people walking alone. The stick takes inputs through an obstacle sensor and provides feedback through a vibration motor. It has a speaking mode as well.
“The procedure of supplying low cost power tiller, tricycle and other heavy equipment is yet to be determined. But we are taking orders and will supply the product after the fair ends,” Shuaib said.
In addition, the staff at the stall are helping people download applications such as “JOY,” an app for women and children’s safety and “e-Parking,” an app to lend out and rent parking spots in Dhaka.
