Three-Day Fair Commemorates Victory Day with Local Exhibitions

In celebration of the nation’s Victory Day, a vibrant three-day Bijoy Mela (Victory Fair) has commenced in the sprawling grounds of the Dhaka District Administration Office, located on Johnson Road in Old Dhaka. The fair aims to promote local products while commemorating the country’s historic triumph.

The inauguration took place at 3:15 pm on Tuesday, officiated by Dhaka District Commissioner Md. Rezaul Karim. The fair will continue on 17 and 18 December, remaining open to the public from 10 am to 8 pm each day.

During his opening address, Commissioner Rezaul Karim extended greetings to all attendees and warmly welcomed visitors to the fair. Highlighting the significance of promoting domestic goods, he remarked, “This fair, organised by our district administration, primarily showcases local products. It presents a wonderful opportunity to exhibit the diversity and heritage of our homegrown crafts and goods.”

He encouraged stall owners to actively engage with visitors throughout the fair and expressed confidence that both buyers and sellers would benefit from the event. Concluding his speech, he officially declared the Bijoy Mela open, requesting the cooperation of all participants to ensure a successful event.

On-site, the fair features 28 dedicated stalls, including contributions from Nari Maitree, Sarboja Women Entrepreneurs, Karapnoy, Sultana Boutiques, Shakil Jamdani Weaving House, RK Fashion, and various stalls under the Ministry of Textiles and Jute. The stalls are adorned with a wide range of local products, including handwoven sarees, artisanal crafts, textiles, and other handmade goods.

From the moment the fair opened, visitors and buyers thronged the venue. Interest surged in the evening during musical performances, with many attendees inspecting handwoven sarees and other traditional products.

According to Dhaka District Administration sources, the fair will feature live music each day from 6 pm to 8 pm. On the first day, artists from the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will perform 20 songs, while musicians on the subsequent days will continue the celebrations. PVC-covered stalls have been arranged to protect products from rain, ensuring uninterrupted enjoyment for visitors.

At the Nari Maitree stall, visitors can explore a variety of products, including Aarong cotton, Bexi voile kurtas, pure cotton garments, and intricately handcrafted sarees. Helen Akter, responsible for managing the stall, shared, “The fair has just started, and visitors are exploring. We hope for strong sales over the next two days.”

Among the attendees was Mizanur Rahman from nearby Kaltabazar, who said, “Jute and weaving are essential aspects of our local craft. The products are both beautiful and practical. I always visit this fair annually, and if I like something, I will purchase it.”

The fair experienced a slight delay in starting due to an earlier ceremony honouring freedom fighters and martyrs’ families in Mohammadpur, explained Additional Deputy Commissioner (Overall) Litus Loren Chiran.

Bijoy Mela at a Glance

The Bijoy Mela continues to blend cultural celebration with commercial promotion, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the nation’s heritage while supporting local artisans and entrepreneurs.