The two-day-long 'Indigenous Food and Crop Fair-2025' began in the capital city of Dhaka on Friday morning.
Development organisation Nagorik Udyog and Adivasi Suhridbrinda are the organizers of the fair.
Major (Retd) Tapan Bikash Chakma, a member of the Hill Buddhist Sangha, inaugurated the fair on the premises of Parbatya Buddhist Complex located in Mirpur of the capital city. Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Water Resources Adviser of the Interim Government, was present as the chief guest at the event.
Presided over by Zakir Hossain, CEO of Nagorik Udyog, the function was moderated by Politon Khisa, General Secretary of Jumda (Jumma Voluntary Blood Donor Association). Professor Robayet Ferdous, Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, Dhaka University, and Indigenous Rights Activist Mainten Pramila, among others, were also present as guests.
The fair's formalities began with the opening dance performed by the artists of Colors of Hill.
In her welcome speech at the opening ceremony, Indigenous rights activist Maintain Pramila demanded that the government take initiatives to spread healthy Indigenous foods among everyone.
At the end of the discussion program, Major (Retd) Tapan Bikash Chakma, a member of the Parbatya Buddhist Sangha, announced the opening of the fair by releasing balloons.
The fair features a variety of delicious foods including traditional Mundi of Marma and Rakhine, traditional pitha and pajan of Garo and Chakma, and various types of agricultural products including banana, brinjal, chilli, hill potato.
It is worth noting that this initiative, which is being organized for the 4th time, will have a total of 43 stalls this time. About 10 Indigenous communities including Chakma, Marma, Tripura of Chittagong Hill Tracts and Garo of plains will participate in the fair with their traditional foods. The two-day fair (November 21 and 22, Friday and Saturday) will start from 10 am every day and will continue till 9.00 pm. In addition, a fascinating cultural evening will be held every day at 6.00 pm with the participation of Indigenous artists from the hills and plains.
