Why Bangladesh’s furniture fair is turning heads

A furniture fair is not exactly my idea of an afternoon outing. However, when my expat friend, who is returning to Dhaka to finally settle down, decided to explore the local furniture market, the ongoing five-day National Furniture Fair at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) seemed like the right choice.

I was genuinely surprised to see how lively and crowded the fair was. The ICCB's four halls were packed with visitors, and that too on a weekday afternoon. A guard told me that tents outside would also open for the weekend rush. It felt as festive as any wedding or trade fair, with people browsing, negotiating, and taking photos.

The fair's success was visible from the crowd's enthusiasm over offers and discounts. Many stalls were offering a flat 10 percent off, and customers were making quick purchases. "The market was shaky after the July uprising, which made the middle and upper middle classes cautious about spending. But this year, our daily sales targets are being easily met," said Mohammad Anwar Parvez, Manager, Retail Sales for Hatil Furniture.

Leading brands like Akhtar, Hatil, Brothers, Nadia, Ayoto, Omega, JMG, Navana, Athena's, Partex, Regal, and Legacy are participating across 278 stalls, where 48 exhibitors are showcasing their latest designs and innovative products. The variety in materials, colours, and finishes was remarkable and highly competitive.

Among all, Ayoto Furniture stood out for its craftsmanship and unique approach. The brand began its journey through exports, aiming to represent Bangladesh as a complete manufacturing solution for contemporary furniture. "Our designs blend European elegance with local sensibility, which gives our creations both beauty and function," said Nipa Arif, Marketing Director of Ayoto Furniture.

I was fascinated by their artistic precision -- a chair with a whale-tail-shaped backrest instantly caught my eye for its elegance and minimalism. Their animal-inspired collection, featuring designs influenced by cheetahs and stingrays, reflected creativity and boldness rarely seen in local brands.

Visitors came from all walks of life -- young couples furnishing their first apartments, middle-aged families looking to replace old furniture, and elderly couples preparing for their children's weddings. My friend, meanwhile, was searching for terrace furniture that would suit Dhaka's weather.

The swing sets and garden seats of Chattogram-based dellArte were selling fast. "We focus on reasonable pricing and what truly benefits our customers," said Md Hasan Ali, Manager of Business Development.

Another crowd favourite, ISHO, showcased sleek and multifunctional pieces such as sofa-cum-beds, dining tables, and dressing units. Their stall in Hall 2 was buzzing, thanks to clever advertising that promised to bridge the gap between modern aspirations and market availability.

Almost every stall manager -- from major names to emerging brands -- was thrilled by the strong footfall and overwhelming response. Shoppers were trying out chairs, lounging on daybeds, and testing the comfort of sofas. Neutral-toned furniture in beige and cream, along with rich green faux leather rocking chairs, caught particular attention.

What impressed me most was the customer service. Despite the heavy crowd, sales staff remained polite, attentive, and eager to explain product details with genuine warmth.

Dhaka's sales executives, as my friend observed, "are surprisingly professional and courteous." She managed to find a few pieces she loved. "Having lived abroad in furnished apartments, my taste in interiors has changed. Now, I want locally made furniture that reflects both comfort and the city's climate," she said.

The fair reflects a growing confidence in Bangladesh's furniture industry -- an evolving sector that combines creativity with craftsmanship. With more people embracing local brands, this industry holds strong potential for export diversification and economic growth.