Digital Dawn at Dhaka Trade Fair 2025
The Chief Advisor Calls to Bid Farewell to the Word “Retired”
Without much recognition, the youth of Bangladesh are making substantial contributions to the national economy, often working behind the scenes. By utilizing ICT and telecommunication, they are crossing national boundaries to engage in international business, exporting software, and expanding the nation’s digital footprint. Highlighting this spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, the 29th Dhaka International Trade Fair 2025 showcased the transformative impact of digital technologies. The fair also marked the beginning of a groundbreaking chapter in Bangladesh’s history by introducing e-ticketing and Visible Digital Sign (VDS) systems.
The event was inaugurated on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal by the Chief Advisor of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus. In his inaugural address, Dr. Yunus envisioned a future where the trade fair would span the entire country, with a central international fair in Dhaka featuring the best innovations from local upazilas. He stated, “Every human is an entrepreneur. It is human nature to pursue one’s own aspirations. The trade fair provides an opportunity to showcase creativity and entrepreneurial initiatives. This opportunity must be seized. Businesses should be conducted internationally from the comfort of one’s home. Aligning opportunities seamlessly is the purpose of the fair. Moreover, we must retire the word ‘retired’ from the dictionary.”
The opening ceremony was attended by Commerce Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Acting Commerce Secretary Md. Abdur Rahim Khan, FBCCI Administrator Md. Hafizur Rahman, and Vice Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau Md. Anwar Hossain.
Following the ceremony, the newly established electronic or e-gate at the southern end of the exhibition center’s open field was demonstrated. The e-gate operates automatically when a digitally procured ticket is scanned. Under normal conditions, the gate displays a red light, which turns green upon verifying the authenticity of the ticket, allowing entry. The gate closes automatically after each visitor passes through, ensuring a seamless flow of thousands of attendees in record time.
Visitors can use their smartphones to display the e-ticket’s QR code, known as the Visible Digital Sign (VDS), which transmits all necessary information to the e-gate via a scanner. Even paper tickets are equipped with advanced technology to prevent tampering or forgery. The government-recognized certifying authority, Relief Validation Limited, developed the system, with technical assistance from the German state-owned IT service provider Veridos.
The e-ticketing system is managed by Digi Infotech, while financial transactions are handled by its subsidiary, Digi E-Pay. This integration enables visitors to purchase tickets and make transactions conveniently using mobile-based financial services from the comfort of their homes.
Many attendees suggested integrating the BRTC bus ticketing system with the trade fair ticket system. They proposed that a single ticket purchased at the same booth should allow both entry to the fair and travel via BRTC buses, eliminating the need for long queues and providing a more comfortable experience for everyone.
Digi Infotech and Veridos have already implemented e-gates and e-passport services at Bangladesh’s international airports and two land ports.
The fair also pays homage to the sacrifices of the student movement against inequality through two commemorative spaces: “July Square” and “Thirty-Six Square.” Additionally, to encourage youth participation in export trade, a dedicated Youth Pavilion has been established.
The layout plan of the fair includes 361 pavilions, stalls, and restaurants allocated transparently to domestic producers, exporters, general businesses, and foreign companies. Alongside Bangladesh, 11 companies from seven countries are participating in this year’s event.
The month-long trade fair will remain open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with extended hours on weekends, running from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
