Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) will continue at Purbachal in compliance with health  protocols until a decision is made to close it, Commerce Ministry sources said.

The National Technical Advisory Committee on Covid-19 has not yet recommended closing of the fair, it will be closed if the committee suggests it, they said.

Read: Dhaka International Trade Fair kicks off at Purbachal

A senior official (export wing) of the ministry told UNB on Tuesday that the number of stalls has been reduced and the authorities will ensure mask wearing by visitors and maintenance of other guidelines including physical distancing.

"We have a monitoring team at the fair premises to monitor whether the visitors are following the hygiene rules. Officials of the Export Promotion Bureau have been given the responsibility of monitoring through an office order,” he added.

The government is going to implement 11-point restriction across the country from Thursday (January 13) as the coronavirus infections keep rising in the country.

The 26th edition of Dhaka International Trade Fair kicked off on January 1. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the fair at Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center (BBCFEC) at Purbachal on the outskirts of the capital.

The Ministry of Commerce and the Export Promotion Bureau have been organizing trade fairs since 1995.

However, this is the first time the fair has been organised in a permanent fair complex.

Read: Dhaka International Trade Fair begins Saturday in Purbachal

BRTC buses have been arranged from Kuril Biswaroad to the fair venue for the convenience of general visitors. There are 30 special buses running from Kuril to the trade fair venue. The fare is Tk 30  per person. BRTC buses also run from Motijheel and Mirpur to the fair venue.

A total of 23 pavilions, 27 mini pavilions, 162 stalls and 15 food stalls of different categories have been allotted to local and foreign companies in the trade fair.There were 11 foreign stalls participating in the fair.