SME Baishakhi fair to begin in Dhaka tomorrow

A seven-day SME Baishakhi Fair will begin in the capital tomorrow (Sunday), bringing together entrepreneurship, culture, and traditional celebrations ahead of Bangla New Year.

The fair will be held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar and will continue until April 18. 
Industries Minister Khondaker Abdul Muktadir is scheduled to inaugurate the event in the afternoon. More than 150 small and medium enterprises from across the country will showcase their products at the fair. It will remain open daily from 10:00am to 7:00pm.

The event is being jointly organised by the Ministry of Industries and the SME Foundation. Organisers said the fair aims to create a unique blend of business promotion, cultural heritage, and festive celebration.

The fair will feature a wide range of attractions, including Baishakhi processions, exhibitions of traditional Bangladeshi products, cultural performances, and popular local cuisine.

Organisers also plan to recreate the atmosphere of rural fairs with traditional entertainment such as rides, bioscope shows, puppet performances, balloon shooting, “Ranpa” stilt walking, palanquin displays, fire shows, and folk music performances.
A dedicated children’s zone will include face painting, puppet shows, and other activities, while live cultural programs featuring music and dance will take place throughout the event.

Over 300 stalls will display garments, handicrafts, and diverse local products. More than 30 food stalls will offer traditional items, including pitha (pancake) and other festive delicacies.

Organisers said the fair will provide a major platform for small entrepreneurs to expand their brand reach while offering visitors the opportunity to explore and purchase authentic Bangladeshi products.
Entry to the fair will be available through two ticket categories: general entry at Tk30 and an express pass priced at Tk200 for faster access.