UNWFP and SR Asia hold roundtable discussion on “Adequate Nutrition for Workers”
UNWFP and Social Responsibility (SR) Asia Bangladesh jointly organised a roundtable discussion on “Adequate Nutrition for workers – Economic and Social Benefits of Fortified Rice” at Lakeshore Hotel, Dhaka today. In the discussion, speakers shed some light on RMG workers’ nutrition and productivity improvement.
Sarkar Abul Kalam Azad, Honourable Additional Secretary, Ministry of Food graced the event as Chief Guest. The welcome speech was carried out by Dr. Mahfuzul Haque, Director, SR Asia Bangladesh.
Sabina Alam, Vice President, BWCCI and Anwar-Ul Alam Chowdhury (Parvez), Former President, BGMEA were also present as Special Guests.
Rezaul Karim, Head of Programme, UNWFP Bangladesh, gave a presentation on “Evidence and innovation of fortified rice”. During his presentation, Karim highlighted the “Scaling Up Rice Fortification” initiative which aims to reduce micronutrient deficiencies in high-risk groups with a strong focus on women and children by providing fortified rice with essential vitamins and minerals.
The roundtable was organised to acknowledge the changing paradigm of economy in Bangladesh as well as discuss with RMG stakeholders about giving emphasis to workers’ healthcare and the nutritional conditions that can contribute to the improvement of productivity among the workers.
Around twenty (20) brands and 30 factory top management representatives were present in the round table discussion. With funding from the Kingdom of the Netherlands and support from DSM, this joint initiative between WFP and the Government of Bangladesh is being implemented since 2013.
