BRAC Bank has organised the TARA Uddokta Mela 2025 at the Aloki Convention Centre in Gulshan, Dhaka, with the aim of promoting locally crafted products by women entrepreneurs.
The two-day event, which commenced today, features around 85 female entrepreneurs from across the country, showcasing their diverse range of locally-made products.
Nazma Mobarek, Secretary of the Financial Institutions Division at the Ministry of Finance, inaugurated the fair as the chief guest, according to a press release.
The exhibition presents a wide selection of Bangladeshi products, including handcrafted garments, boutique items, traditional Jamdani and Muslin textiles, artisanal crafts, jute and clay products, processed leather goods, organic skincare items, culinary delights, and bamboo and rattan creations.
Beyond the product displays, the fair includes several attractions such as an Iftar and dinner food court, Hawai Mithai stalls, a traditional bioscope for children, free mental well-being sessions, health check-ups, and travel consultancy services.
The exhibition is open to visitors from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Meheriar M Hasan, Chairperson of BRAC Bank, attended the event.
Speaking about the fair, Selim RF Hussain, Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank, stated:
“The TARA Uddokta Mela provides an invaluable platform for entrepreneurs to preserve and promote traditional products, deeply rooted in our country’s culture and heritage.”
He further added, “We are committed to organising similar initiatives in the future, allowing women entrepreneurs to showcase their products and gain financial independence. This fair highlights our strong dedication to empowering women in business.”
Several distinguished guests were also present at the event, including:
- Nawshad Mustafa, Director of the SME and Special Programmes Department at Bangladesh Bank
- Farzanah Chowdhury, Managing Director and CEO of Green Delta Insurance Company
- Farzana Khan, Deputy Managing Director of the SME Foundation
- Syed Abdul Momen, Deputy Managing Director and Head of SME Banking at BRAC Bank
Supplementary Information:
BRAC Bank’s TARA programme is a women-focused banking initiative designed to provide financial support, training, and business development opportunities for female entrepreneurs. Over the years, such initiatives have played a crucial role in promoting financial inclusion and economic empowerment for women in Bangladesh.
The TARA Uddokta Mela aligns with Bangladesh’s broader goals of fostering women’s entrepreneurship, which has seen significant growth in recent years. With government support and private sector initiatives, women-led businesses are now contributing significantly to the national economy.