Meena bazar partners with Netherlands-backed aquaculture project

Meena Bazar has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the FoodTechBangladesh (FTB) project, becoming the country's first forward-linkage partner to bring sustainably farmed fish directly to consumers.

Supported by the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the FTB initiative brings together Gemini Seafood PLC, Fishtech (BD) Limited, Larive International, and LightCastle Partners to deliver fresh, traceable, and environmentally responsible fish to households in Bangladesh.

The signing ceremony took place on 25 September at the residence of the Netherlands Ambassador in Dhaka, and was attended by Deputy Ambassador Koos Dijkstra, First Secretary Tim Spaans, and Senior Policy Adviser Osman Haruni.

The memorandum was signed by Shameem Ahmed Jaigirder, Chief Operating Officer of Meena Bazar, and Laura Derks, in the presence of Rogier Becker of Larive International, Kh Farhad Hossain, Chairman of Fishtech BD Ltd, Mahmud Riyad, General Manager (Operations) of Gemini Seafood PLC, and Jaed Hossen of the FTB Centre of Excellence Khulna project. Representatives from Gemcon Group — including Saima Mazhar, Chief Consultant; Shaheen Khan, Chief Human Resources Officer; and Rafiqul Islam, Procurement Manager — were also present.

"This partnership marks the beginning of a journey to make fish safer, more traceable, and sustainable for all our consumers," said Shameem Ahmed Jaigirder, Chief Operating Officer of Meena Bazar. "We are honoured to be the first forward-linkage partner and expect others will join this initiative to benefit consumers nationwide."

The collaboration reflects Meena Bazar's vision to connect farmers and producers directly with consumers, ensuring quality, trust, and fair value. The initiative is expected to set a new benchmark for safe and sustainable food retail in Bangladesh by strengthening supply chains, enabling traceability, and promoting fairer practices that benefit farmers, consumers, and the environment.