PM declares handicrafts as the 'product of the year'

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday declared handicrafts as the "product of the year", emphasizing the sector's significant contribution to women's empowerment.

"I am announcing the handicrafts as the product of 2024 as has been playing a great role in women empowerment, making women economically self-reliant and generating employment for them. The handicrafts have also been contributing in reducing poverty," she said.

The premier made the remarks while inaugurating the month-long 28th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) -2024 at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal New Town, on the outskirts of the capital.

The fair has been organised jointly by the Ministry of Commerce and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Tapan Kanti Ghosh, and Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) President Mahbubul Alam also spoke at the function. Vice chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) AHM Ahsan gave the address of welcome.

Local textiles, machineries, carpets, cosmetics, electrical and electronics, jute and jute products, household goods, leather goods including leather and shoes, sports goods, sanitary ware, toys, stationery, crockery, plastic, melamine polymer, herbal and toiletries, Imitation jewellery, processed food, fast food, handicrafts, home decor, furniture and other products will be displayed and sold in the fair.

Companies from Turkey, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Iran will exhibit and sell their products this year.

There are 351 stalls, including 16-18 pavilions for the foreign companies. The entry fee of the fair has been fixed Tk 50 for general visitors and Tk 25 for children below 12 years.