PUM Bangladesh

12/05/2026

Proud to facilitate the Bangladesh mission of , Senior Healthcare Expert from , who visited Bangladesh from 1–8 May 2026 for an advisory mission at .

During the visit, he assessed healthcare services, disease patterns, hospital operations, staffing, and community outreach activities, especially focusing on healthcare access for remote coastal communities in climate-vulnerable areas of Bangladesh.

The mission also included discussions on preventive healthcare, epidemiology, service gaps, and sustainable healthcare delivery models to strengthen long-term healthcare support for underserved populations.
International expert knowledge combined with local commitment can create meaningful impact for communities that need quality healthcare the most.

Grateful to PUM for continuing to support practical knowledge sharing and sustainable development initiatives in Bangladesh.

29/04/2026

We are delighted to see this wonderful collaboration with the National Apiculture Foundation, an organization working to improve beekeeping technology by combining research and practical knowledge from stakeholders across the sector.

This project has brought together a diverse group of participants, including agricultural university students, researchers, government agricultural extension officials, and experienced beekeepers—creating an excellent platform for learning and collaboration.

PUM expert Jan-Arie van Berkum is sharing advanced knowledge on queen bee rearing techniques along with modern beekeeping insights that are new and valuable for many participants.

Through this initiative, both the trainer and participants are exchanging practical knowledge that can contribute to sustainable growth and future improvements in Bangladesh’s beekeeping sector.

Together, we are building stronger skills, better practices, and a more sustainable future for apiculture. 🐝🌿

27/04/2026

A heartfelt acknowledgment to Denise Go-Feij:

The PUM education expert Denise, we are proud for her remarkable dedication and commitment in supporting Sylhet Agricultural University with a two-week Pedagogy training program for young teachers.

From the very beginning, Denise responded promptly and positively to the university’s request, demonstrating both professionalism and enthusiasm. At a time when the world continues to face the impacts of global conflicts and unpredictable travel conditions, her journey was far from simple. With uncertain flights and long travel routes, many would have hesitated—but Denise remained determined, prepared with confidence, and stayed focused on the mission.

She arrived in Sylhet on 19 April and immediately engaged in a series of workshops and discussions with the university’s higher administration, professors, students, and young faculty members. By taking the time to understand Bangladesh’s education system, institutional needs, and current teaching practices, she ensured that the training would be relevant and meaningful.

Following this groundwork, Denise conducted four days of highly engaging training sessions. Her energy, expertise, and passion—combined with the wholehearted support of university staff at every level—made the sessions interactive, participatory, enjoyable, and impactful.

Her outstanding performance and unwavering dedication have made this project truly memorable for all participants. More importantly, the knowledge and skills shared during this program will continue to benefit the young teachers of Sylhet Agricultural University as they strengthen their teaching practices and contribute to the future of education.

We are grateful for Denise’s inspiring contribution and confident that this experience will leave a lasting impact on the academic community.

25/04/2026

Physo therapist training in ToT model for 30 participants organized by Joyoti Society Jessore by PUM NL sector coordinator health Mrs Marije Bastian for a week.

25/04/2026

A successful project with Joyoti Society Jessore on Physo Theraphy training to 30 participants my Marije Bastiaansen, PUM Netherlands health sector coordinator for a week.

23/04/2026

Jeroen Brugman, PUM Expert and Udoy Coffee, a rising Bangladeshi coffee enterprise, have demonstrated how far passion and purpose can take an entrepreneur—transforming a local idea into a thriving, value‑driven initiative!

PUM’s expert support has helped Udoy Coffee strengthen their business model and prepare for wider markets—while producing truly high‑quality Bangladeshi coffee beans. Their dedication is inspiring, and PUM Bangladesh is proud to be part of their journey. 👏

What makes this journey even more special is that Jeroen Brugman, has written an insightful article in The Daily Star about Bangladesh’s emerging coffee culture and his work with Udoy Coffee.
It’s a great read for anyone curious about how this sector is evolving:

https://www.thedailystar.net/lifestyle/food/news/bangladesh-not-behind-coffee-it-starting-fresh-4153726

06/04/2026

Sometimes introductions come with a touch of humor 😊

“I’m Gerard Schoemaker… but I can’t make shoes!” — as Gerard Schoemaker often jokes.

But over the past two weeks, what he can do has been truly inspiring.

Working closely with Red Pencil Innovation Ltd, Gerard dedicated his time in a remote area of Bagerhat—well known for its saline, disaster-prone conditions. Despite the challenges, his commitment never wavered. He worked side by side with wood artisans and the management team, helping build both skills and confidence.

Together, they achieved some remarkable milestones:
✅ Improved the quality of food-grade wooden handicrafts
✅ Strengthened their position in the local market
✅ Prepared for entry into international markets
✅ Developed a sustainable business plan
✅ Identified ways to increase income and overall profitability

After completing the assignment in Rampal, Gerard didn’t slow down. Back in Dhaka, he spent two intensive days visiting vendors, suppliers, and buyers—ensuring continuity and future growth opportunities.

And beyond the work, he built something even more meaningful—connections. He spent time with the client’s family, engaged with children who supported the project, and even enjoyed a musical evening—showcasing his passion as a drummer (yes, with wooden sticks! 🥁).

At nearly 70 years of age, Gerard has shown that true expertise is not just about technical knowledge—it’s about dedication, humility, and the ability to connect deeply with people.

A remarkable contribution—and a powerful example of how real impact is created.

27/03/2026

It’s a story of return, purpose, and impact 🌿

About 37 years ago, Gerard Schoemaker first came to Bangladesh as part of a charity mission with Mother Teresa. Today, he is back again—this time to support local enterprise development through PUM Netherlands senior experts.

Gerard is currently working in Rampal, Bagerhat, with a remarkable eco wood-based handicrafts SME, RED PENCIL INNOVATION LTD. He arrived at the project site on 25 March, where the client warmly welcomed him with a thoughtfully prepared, aesthetic workspace.

He is staying at a unique guest house—the Mahmud-Mustafiz Art Gallery Collection—located in the remote village of Shrifaltola. From there, he is working closely with the factory team, where most of the workers are skilled and hardworking women.

Through this initiative, Gerard is supporting the company to:
✔ Improve the quality of food-grade wooden handicrafts
✔ Strengthen their position in the local market
✔ Prepare for entry into international markets
✔ Develop a sustainable business plan
✔ Increase income and overall profitability

This collaboration highlights how global expertise and local dedication can create meaningful change and empower communities 💚

27/03/2026

🌱 Strengthening Skills, Shaping Futures at PRISM, Jashore:

PUM Expert Arlette de Lange recently visited PRISM, skill development and entrepreneurship training institute in Jashore, Bangladesh.

Arletta’s visit marks an important step in PRISM's journey. She is guiding the PRISM team in developing a 3 to 5-year strategic plan that aligns with the evolving needs of a skilled workforce—locally and globally. Her insights are to strengthen our training ecosystem, expand opportunities, and design programs that respond to real demand.

With Kazi Farzana Sharmin

23/02/2026

Bangladesh loses 14.1 million tonnes of food every year. That's not a statistic — that's a crisis.

34% of all food produced in Bangladesh is lost or wasted before it ever reaches a plate. Meanwhile, 36% of the population faces food insecurity. The land, water, and labor used to grow food that never gets consumed accounts for 27% of the country's entire agricultural footprint.

The gap between production and consumption is where the problem lives — and where the solution starts.

PUM expert Eelko Brevoord just proved something important: solar drying using locally available materials works. A low-cost, practical, scalable proof of concept that can meaningfully reduce post-harvest losses for Bangladeshi producers — no expensive imports, no complex technology.

Simple. Local. Effective.

Post-harvest loss isn't inevitable. It's a systems problem — and systems problems have solutions.

If you're a food producer, processor, or agri-business in Bangladesh looking to reduce waste, extend shelf life, and improve margins, this is exactly the kind of expertise PUM brings to the table.

📩 Ready to reduce your post-harvest losses? Get in touch with PUM Bangladesh today: 🌐 https://www.pum.nl/country/bangladesh/

Less waste. Better margins. Stronger food systems. 🌱

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/eelko-brevoord-50aab68_did-a-pum-project-in-kenya-we-supported-activity-7427002310930812929-_lEq?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAADBJJ8Btsgj2mS6X_Hklz7ziY-8vZpFdUg

Did a PUM project in Kenya. We supported a cassava farmer with a solar dryer. When drying in the open air in the humid environment of Kenya, it takes too long and cassava quality deteriorates. It starts fermenting and it gets moldy. We did a proof of concept and build a small dryer with locally avai...

15/02/2026

It was a truly energizing experience supporting a PUM Advice on Location mission in Old Dhaka with Ashraf Leathergoods & Footwear. 👏✨🇧🇩

Together with our PUM Expert Johan de Visser and the dedicated leadership of Mr. Ashraf, we explored business strategy, private‑label opportunities, export potential, and the growth of their Aurora footwear brand.👞👡

From factory floor discussions to visits with clients, suppliers, and retailers, the collaboration resulted in a clear roadmap and action plan for the company’s next phase of growth. 🤝

That also joined the Bangladesh Footwear Manufacturers Association meeting, where Mr. Ashraf serves as vice‑chair—his commitment to his employees, the industry, and the Old Dhaka community is truly admirable. Proud to support Bangladeshi craftsmanship as it continues to move forward with passion and purpose.