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Prerona Foundation, Shwapno ink deal to retail Prerona masks

Prerona Foundation on Wednesday signed an agreement with popular retail supershop chain Shwapno to sell Covid-19 masks produced by specially-abled individuals.

Under the agreement, high-quality face masks manufactured by specially-abled individuals under ‘Amra Shikhi, Amra Pari’—a joint project by Prerona Foundation and PFDA Vocational Training Center—will be made available at selected outlets of Shwapno super shop for customers’ purchase, said a press release.

Dr AM Pervez Rahim, chief coordinator (joint secretary), Autism & NDD cell at Ministry of Health & Family Welfare; Mustafiz Shafi, editor, The Daily Samakal; Mubina Asaf, director, governing body, Prerona Foundation; Sajida Rahman Danny, founder chairman, PFDA-Vocational Training Center; Khalid Hussain, business head of commodity and GM, ACI Logistics Ltd.; Anowarul Amin, chief executive officer (CEO); and Tasneem Tayeb, manager, partnerships and communications, Prerona Foundation; were present at the signing ceremony, among others.

Sabbir Hasan Nasir, executive director, ACI Logistics Ltd, was connected online.

"Amra Shikhi, Amra Pari" is an initiative for the specially-abled members of the society, which aims to provide training facilities to help them become employed, financially solvent, and also overcome social stigmas.

The surgical and fabric masks made by the trainees follow all the safety guidelines provided by World Health Organization (WHO) and meet all the parameters set by Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) in Bangladesh.

The masks are priced from Tk220 to Tk300 apiece, while they are washable and reusable up to 20 times.

“Prerona Foundation is proud to be able to extend its hands to the specially-abled people of our society, right when they needed it the most. Covid-19 has pushed countless of workers to the edges of their patience and limits. We are happy to be able to contribute to the economy amidst so much difficulty, and are especially thankful to our partners for having their faith on us. We are especially thankful to Shwapno for partnering with us in this initiative,” said Anowarul Amin after the signing ceremony.

Sabbir Hasan Nasir, executive director, ACI Logistics Ltd. said Shwapno is the first retail chain in the country to provide employment opportunities in its outlets to the specially-abled individuals.

"Hence, we will continue to support these individuals in showcasing their handmade facemasks," he added.