Millers for Nutrition Launches in Bangladesh, Pledges to Improve Nutrition Landscape

Millers for Nutrition Bangladesh recently launched at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka. The event drew significant attention from the miller community, development sector, industry associations, and prominent industry leaders.

Chief Guest, Mr. S M Ferdous Alam, Director General of Bangladesh Standards & Testing Institution (BSTI) in his address stressed the importance of food fortification in improving public health and encouraged stakeholders to join Millers for Nutrition to help to strengthen “South-South Collaboration” amongst the Millers of Asia and Africa. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Md. Taherul Islam Khan, Director of Bangladesh National Nutrition Council (BNNC). He highlighted the significance of staple food fortification in addressing malnutrition.

A panel discussion: “Fortified Futures: Unlocking the Potential of Staple Food Fortification in Bangladesh” featured industry experts, including Faria Yasmin, Sayed Julfiqur Mahmud, Mahbub Baset and Prof Dr. Gulzarul Aziz. The discussion, moderated by Dr. SM Mustafizur Rahman, highlighted several key challenges and solutions for promoting fortified staples in Bangladesh, including raising awareness about fortified rice and flour, addressing misconceptions about their “naturalness” and safety as well as improving the affordability of fortified foods

Panelists emphasized the need for mandatory rice fortification, government incentives, and collaborations with global organizations to support millers.The discussion also included the importance of ensuring nutrient stability and bioavailability in fortified foods, reducing testing lead times, and exploring local premix production to increase affordability and efficiency.

The event culminated with the announcement of the Champions of Food Fortification and Nutrition Awards, recognizing millers and brands driving positive change in India’s nutrition landscape. Awardees included:

Industry Ambassador of Food Fortification and Nutrition: Faria Yasmin, Chief Business Officer, ACI Foods Ltd.

Voice of Fortification Excellence: Sayed Julfiqur Mahmud, President, BFRMA

Woman Leader in Food Fortification and Nutrition: Dr. Naznin Afroz, Chairman, NK Foods and Proprietor, Imperia Foods

Champion Mill of Fortification and Nutrition: Ruposhi Flour, Rice & Pushti Mills Limited

Fortification Leadership Award: ACI Foods Ltd, Meghna Group of Industries, and Bangladesh Edible Oil Ltd.

Rising Milling Star of Food Fortification and Nutrition: IFAD Multi Products Ltd (Wheat Flour), Jahan Food & Agro Pvt. Ltd (Rice), and Bondhan Agro Food Industries (Rice)

FRK Manufacturing Excellence Award: United Fortification Industries, Kamal Auto Rice Mill, and Nourish Foods Ltd.