Nature's bounty

To cater to the growing demand for authentic, fair-trade and chemical-free products in Bangladesh, Manusher Jonno Foundation has opened up their flagship store in Banani, on Road 35/A. Despite operating for almost 13 years, and carrying out projects all over the country, this is the first store they have opened that will showcase products sourced from places like Chittagong and Mymensingh.

The shop itself is a small showroom in the MJF office building, and as well as selling handicrafts, they also have seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other produce on sale. 

Currently adorning the shelves of the MJF showroom are pineapples, bananas, ginger, and bottles of natural honey, without an additive in sight. Of course, in terms of handicrafts, they sell things like 3-piece kameez sets for women, handmade necklaces, as well as household items like jute baskets in varying sizes.

Program manager at MJF, Zahed Hasan, said that MJF has plans to expand this project further, and said that there are plans to go digital, as well as securing a larger location for the shop in order to bring in more products. 

"We had really good feedback during the store opening", Hasan said, adding that it was this feedback that allows him to determine what products will be in demand. 

The near-empty shelves a couple of days after the store opening is testament to the popularity and need for products that are sourced locally, made without chemicals or additives, and provide a livelihood for the indigenous communities of Bangladesh.

The location of the shop is: House 47, Road 35/A, by the 
Banani-Gulshan bridge. 

By Zahrah Haider