FAIR

Business Regular

Asian Tourism Fair begins in Dhaka today

The 12th Asian Tourism Fair (ATF) officially commenced today at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB), marking the largest tourism exhibition ever held in Bangladesh. The three-day event, running from September 18 to 20, features over 200 exhibitors from 20 countries. The ATF Dhaka is organised by Bangladeshi travel and tourism magazine The Parjatan Bichitra. The event is endorsed by Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and government of Bangladesh, and supported by Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC), Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) and tourism trade association at home and abroad. This year’s expo’s tagline “Connecting Regional Tourism,” aims to strengthen cross-border collaboration and promote sustainable travel across Asia. Countries which took part in earlier editions of the fair include: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, China, Korea, Sri Lanka, Japan, Jordan, Iran, Qatar, Philippine, Singapore, Lithuania and Maldives. Malaysia returns as a feature country, showcasing its tourism offerings through immersive displays. Mutual Trust Bank is the title sponsor of the fair, where national tourism organisations, airlines, tour operators, and hospitality groups will be the key exhibitors. Bangladesh’s tourism sector is prominently represented, with local operators promoting destinations such as the Sundarbans mangrove forest, Cox’s Bazar—the world’s longest sea beach—tea gardens in Sylhet, and Buddhist heritage sites in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Bangladesh was recently named one of the best-value destinations by Lonely Planet, and organizers are leveraging this recognition to boost inbound and outbound travel. The fair includes a series of side events designed to engage both industry professionals and the general public. These include seminars, workshops, skill conventions, cultural programmes, and a dedicated Bangladesh Tourism Night. An award ceremony is scheduled to recognise contributions to the tourism sector. Four tiers are offered: Standard, Semi Pavilion, Pavilion, and Prime Pavilion. Logistical support is available only through nominated agents and for exhibitors with early bird registration. The event also facilitates B2B and B2C networking sessions to encourage commercial partnerships and tourism development. Visitor demographics span leisure travellers, corporate buyers, travel media, and academic researchers. Organisers expect significant footfall over the three days, with the ICCB venue prepared to accommodate large crowds. Bangladesh’s outbound tourism market is expanding rapidly, driven by increased flight connectivity and a growing middle class. The fair aims to capitalise on this trend by promoting regional travel packages and enhancing visibility for participating destinations. The ATF has been held regularly since its inception, with some exceptions. It is considered a key platform for regional tourism stakeholders to exchange ideas, showcase products, and foster economic cooperation. The fair will conclude on September 20 with closing remarks from organisers and government representatives. Written by Nibir Ayaan

Business Featured

South Asia Trade Fair 2025 Kicks Off in Dhaka Today

The South Asia Trade Fair 2025 opens its doors in Dhaka today, drawing together businesses from across the region for a four-day showcase of trade and commerce. This year’s edition will feature an extensive display of products from South Asian countries, covering categories as diverse as readymade garments, textiles, gems and jewellery, cosmetics, footwear and leather items, home and kitchen appliances, processed food, and electronics. Organisers said the wide range is meant to highlight both the industrial strengths and the cultural traditions of the region. Over a hundred companies are expected to take part, representing a strong presence of entrepreneurs and firms from multiple SAARC member nations. Their participation is aimed at deepening economic ties and opening new trade opportunities among neighbouring countries. The fair is being hosted under the initiative of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI). The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the Ministry of Commerce, and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) are providing support to make the event successful. An inaugural ceremony marked the start of the fair and Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin formally opened the exhibition at the International Convention City, Bashundhara. The event is being positioned as one of the year’s most important trade gatherings in the capital. Details of the programme were shared earlier this week at a press conference organised at the FBCCI headquarters in Dhaka’s Motijheel. Speaking at the briefing, Zulfiqar Ali Bhatt, secretary general of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, explained the scope of the upcoming fair and outlined its objectives. According to Bhatt, the event will include business-to-business matchmaking sessions and dedicated networking opportunities designed to foster trust between entrepreneurs of SAARC nations. He added that the platform would also enable the exchange of ideas and experiences in business practices, paving the way for a stronger foundation of regional cooperation. “This will play a vital role in promoting regional trade,” Bhatt remarked, underlining the importance of strengthening intra-regional links. He noted, however, that despite significant potential, South Asian economies have not yet managed to expand their trade with each other to the levels seen in other parts of the world. The fair, he stressed, can serve as a step toward correcting this imbalance. The exhibition will bring together companies from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, among others. With more than a hundred firms participating, organisers are confident the event will serve as an effective platform for businesses looking to establish or expand their footprint in South Asia’s growing markets. Md. Alamgir, secretary general of FBCCI, also spoke at the press conference, focusing on the broader vision of the Saarc Chamber. He emphasised that the institution was created to boost the region’s trade capacity and to promote collaboration across a variety of sectors. Through the fair, Alamgir said, regional potential in industries such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, processed food and agriculture, and electronics will come to the forefront. At the same time, the exhibition will not only highlight economic strengths but also showcase the rich traditions and cultural identities of the SAARC member countries, creating a more holistic view of South Asia’s shared possibilities. The stakeholders hope the four-day event will set the stage for stronger commercial ties, a more connected region, and a renewed commitment to expanding trade among neighbouring economies. Written by Nibir Ayaan

10TH ISSUE

The Aesthetic Affair of Ekushey Book Fair

Followed by the fragrance of the spring, February in Bangladesh is a month of turning grief into power. Hence, this month is a glowing time for the citizens, with revelries surrounded by various occasions, and Amor Ekushey (Immortal 21) Boimela (Book Fair) is one of them. Started with only 32 books on a mat under a tree in front of Bangla Academy back in 1972, the legacy of Boimela continued till date. This year (2024), too, “Amor Ekushey Book Fair” at Bangla Academy premises opened its doors for literacy and knowledge enthusiasts to commemorate the glorious history of the Bangla language movement. While it’s the love for book that might grab readers to the fair, it is the unique eye-catching design that will pull people towards the book stalls and take a look at the books. This year, Anyaprokash showcased a unique rickshaw theme stall design, featuring a square pavilion with two vault-like structures inspired by rickshaw hoods. Designed by architect SM Rahman, the pavilion features murals and Humayun Ahmed’s portrait, using steel, bamboo, and plywood for its structure. The owner of Anya Prokash Mazharul Islam previously decorated pavilion along with Humayun Ahmed celebrating Ahsan Manzil, Lalbagh Fort, Curzon Hall, the Intellectual Memorial, and this year he chose UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage rickshaw of Bangladesh as the theme. The most interesting stall design has to be Akash Prokashoni’s. At first glance, people might misconstrue it as the traditional wooden houses of Bikrampur. The owner and designer, Alamgir Sikder Loton’s love for folk culture is well-echoed in the pavilion. There are three doors on three sides of the pavilion, along with windows. Books were displayed both inside and outside the house, offering an amusing experience for the customers. The younger generation can thus become more accustomed to Bangladesh culture with such thoughtful designs. The 39th Ekushey Book Fair has 635 stalls and pavilions this year, many of which are appealingly decorated. Things that look attractive tend to draw people in. They love connecting with them, are drawn to them, and want to learn more about them. Even though books are the heart of the book fair, a brilliant mind behind the design of those book stall plays an equally significant role. Every year, the top organisation receives the Artist Qayyum Chowdhury Memorial Award for their aesthetic pavilion design. Last year, Puthiniloy bagged the very award. The book fair’s main attraction, the kid’s section, remained colourful and exciting like always. Mayurpankhi’s stall at the book fair, designed by architect and designer Reesham Shahab Tirtho, stands out with its vibrant theme and arched doors, providing a fun walk for children. Journeyman Book’s stall, designed by interior designer Nazneen Haque Mimi, is another example of simplicity and efficiency. They have arranged a free Wi-Fi zone for the visitors and also used a modern book shelf outside the stall for an artistic appeal and a comfortable visit for book lovers. Sabyasachi Hazra’s signature simple and classy design is reflected on both the pavilions, Katha Prokash and Kobi Prokashoni. The choice of colours and fonts for Katha Prokash is minimal yet catchy. The surface is covered with layers of laterite soil, which gives it an even more fun context. Whereas the white folk motifs on the complete black surface of Kobi Prokashoni attract visitors effortlessly. Bangla Prakash remained unparalleled with its wooden pavilion, which looked more like a wooden box filled with books. The modest design rather appealed as classy, and the books have been kept skilfully on book shelves, which gives off a typical bookshop vibe. The pavilion looks equally great in the evening when the pendant lights it up. This year the prize was awarded for aesthetic and artistic stalls and pavilion and publishing maximum number of books in quality. In the pavilion category, “Anyaprakash” and “Nimphia Publication” and “Bengal Books” in the stall category received the Artist Qayyum Chowdhury Smriti Award as the best organisation in aesthetic decoration among the participating publishing houses. Kathaprokash received the Chittaranjan Saha Smriti Award for publishing the highest number of quality books. In the best book category in artistic and quality judging, Prothoma Prakashan got the prize for “Bangladesh in 21st Century: Transformation of Education” written by Manzoor Ahmed, and Oitijjhya for “Jatratihas: Bangler Jatra Shilper Adi Anta” written by Moeen Ahmed and Journeyman Books got the Munir Chowdhury Smriti Award for publishing “Kilo Flight” written by Alamgir Sattar. And Roknuzzaman Khan Dadabhai Smriti Award-2024 was given to Mayurpankhi for publishing the most books for children in terms of quality. Cultural Secretary Mr. Khalil Ahmed said that efforts are being made to bring the book fair into a permanent structure. Almost every stall and pavilion of this year’s book fair was well-decorated, every stall was well-organised and many stalls had a touch of modernity. Books worth Tk 50 crore were sold in the book fair and as many as 3,751 new books had been published. Written by Fariha Hossain