DAM and Apon Bazaar join forces to ensure nutrition and fair price

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.

Nasir-Ud-Daula, DAM's Director General, and Saif Rashid, Founder and Managing Director of Apon Bazaar, signed the agreement at the DAM headquarters. With DAM's unique initiative, 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 factory services.
Speaking on the occasion, Nasir-Ud-Daula, Director General of DAM, said, "Through this initiative, we will be able to establish a direct connection between farmers and consumers. However, 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, which can lead to long-term health consequences. Studies show that food insecurity contributes to increased absenteeism, lower productivity, and a 7.9% GDP loss due to anaemia among workers. This initiative aligns with Bangladesh's priorities for food security, worker welfare, and sustainable agriculture.
"Food insecurity is a pressing issue for industrial workers, impacting their health and productivity," said Saif Rashid, Founder and MD, Apon Bazaar. "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 digital and physical Fair Price Shops network, 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.