‘Food insecurity is a pressing issue for industrial workers, impacting their health and productivity’
The Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM), Government of Bangladesh has signed a Letter of Agreement (LOA) with Apon Bazaar, to improve the nutrition of industrial workers by directly sourcing perishable food products from farmers across the country.
The agreement was signed at the DAM headquarters by Nasir-Ud-Daula, director general of DAM, and Saif Rashid, founder and managing director of Apon Bazaar.
Taken with the special initiative of DAM, this collaboration will enable Apon Bazaar to procure essential food items including eggs, beef, chicken, mutton, fish, fruits, and vegetables directly from farmer and seller groups.
By leveraging DAM’s supplier networks, Apon aims to provide high-quality, affordable nutrition to approximately 200,000 industrial workers who currently access its services in their factories.
Speaking on the occasion, Nasir-Ud-Daula said: “Through this initiative, we will be able to establish a direct connection between farmers and consumers. However, for it to succeed, everyone involved must have a service-oriented mindset purely focusing on profit will not be enough.”
Industrial workers often rely on carbohydrate-heavy, nutrient-deficient diets, leading to long-term health consequences.
Studies show that food insecurity contributes to increased absenteeism, lower productivity, and a 7.9% GDP loss due to anemia among workers.
This initiative aligns with Bangladesh’s national priorities on food security, worker welfare, and sustainable agriculture.
“Food insecurity is a pressing issue for industrial workers, impacting their health and productivity,” said Saif Rashid.
“By sourcing directly from farmers, we can ensure safer and more affordable food, reducing financial strain on workers while supporting agricultural sustainability.”
Founded in 2017 by social entrepreneur Saif Rashid, Apon Bazaar is a pioneering social enterprise dedicated to improving the well-being of industrial workers. With a growing network of digital and physical Fair Price Shops, Apon offers up to 10% discounts on over 2,200 essential products.
The enterprise recently launched its 44th shop in Bangladesh and continues to expand its reach to ensure economic and social empowerment for industrial workers.
Source: Dhaka Tribune (24 Mar 2025)
