In celebration of the nation’s Victory Day, a vibrant three-day Bijoy Mela (Victory Fair) has commenced in the grounds of the Dhaka District Commissioner’s office on Johnson Road, Old Dhaka. The fair, showcasing local products and traditional crafts, officially opened on Tuesday at 3:15 pm, inaugurated by Dhaka District Commissioner Md. Rezaul Karim.

The event will continue on 17 and 18 December, remaining open to the public daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

In his opening address, Commissioner Rezaul Karim extended warm Victory Day greetings and welcomed all attendees to the fair. He emphasised the importance of promoting domestic products, stating: “This fair, organised by our district administration, primarily focuses on our indigenous goods. It is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the richness and heritage of our local products.”

Addressing both stall owners and visitors, he encouraged full participation throughout the fair and expressed confidence that everyone—vendors and buyers alike—would benefit from the event. Concluding his speech, he officially declared the fair open, seeking the cooperation of all present.

On-site, 28 stalls have been arranged for the fair. These include those run by Nari Maitree, Sarbojaya Nari Udyokta, Karaponno, Sultana Boutiques, Shakil Jamdani Weaving House, R.K. Fashion, and various stalls under the Ministry of Textiles and Jute. Exhibitors are presenting a range of local products, including handwoven saris, handicrafts, and artisanal goods.

From the moment of opening, visitors have been arriving in steady streams, with the evening music performances attracting larger crowds. Attendees have been admiring handwoven saris and other domestic products with keen interest.

According to Dhaka District Administration sources, victory songs will be performed each evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm throughout the three-day fair. On the opening day, artists from the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will perform 20 songs, while other performers will entertain visitors on the remaining days. PVC-covered stalls have been installed to protect goods from rain.

At the Nari Maitree stall, visitors can view a range of products, including Arong cotton, Bexi Voile fabric for panjabis, pure cotton and handwoven saris. Helen Akter, managing the stall, said: “We have just begun, and many are exploring the products. Sales will pick up over the next two days.”

Among the visitors, Mizanur Rahman from Koltabaazar remarked: “Jute and weaving are our indigenous products. They are beautiful to look at and comfortable to use. As every year, I have come to the fair and will purchase if I find something suitable.”

The fair’s slight delay in opening was explained by Additional District Commissioner (General) Litus Loren Chiran, who noted that a ceremony honouring freedom fighters and martyr families took place in Mohammadpur earlier, which postponed the start.

Bijoy Mela at a Glance

The fair not only celebrates national pride but also provides a platform for local artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase and sell traditional Bangladeshi products, fostering cultural appreciation and supporting domestic industries.