Syed Wahidul Alam MP, BNP whip, inaugurated the fair titled "1st Bank Mela-2005" organised by Scintilla Limited, an event management firm, at Hotel Agrabad.

Three private banks -- Brac Bank, Dhaka Bank and Eastern Bank, and leading real estate companies of the port city -- Sanmar Properties Ltd, Ideal Home Builders, Equity, Westech Ltd and Imperial Group -- are showcasing their products and services at the fair.

Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) President Saifuzzaman Chowdhury and newly elected Senior Vice President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) SM Abu Tayyab were the special guests at the inaugural ceremony.

Md Harunur Rashid, general manager of Bangladesh Bank, Chittagong, also spoke at the ceremony with Md Shahajahan, Scintilla managing director, in the chair.

While addressing the ceremony Syed Wahidul Alam MP said that the fair would enhance interaction among the banks and their clients and boost banking activities as well as encourage private investment.

CCCI President Saifuzzaman Chowdhury said, the private sector contributed a lot to the economy of the country while private banks are also playing a significant role.