bKash sets up sanitary napkin vending machines in 5 RMG factories

Mobile financial service provider bKash has set up vending machines in 5 RMG factories to help female workers purchase sanitary napkins.

The programme was recently inaugurated by setting up automatic sanitary napkin vending machines at Ananta Garments and Newage Apparels in Ashulia, Savar, Mega Denim and Hams Garments in Gazipur, and Independent Apparels in Chattogram, said a press release on Saturday.

bKash has installed these vending machines in the garment factories with the technical support of Vertical Innovations. This initiative will facilitate women-friendly, healthy environment in the garment industry by ensuring access to emergency sanitary napkins. bKash will expand this service to more factories in the future.

Workers can easily buy sanitary napkins from vending machines by scanning QR code from bKash app or dialling *247#, the release added.

For their convenience, step by step payment method has been demonstrated next to the vending machine. Garment workers will get the opportunity to purchase sanitary napkins at a lower price than the market through bKash payment, said the release.

Ananta Garments Managing Director Inamul Haq Khan and Deputy Managing Director M Sajedul Karim and Newage Apparels Executive Director Mahmud Hossain were present at the inauguration ceremony of the vending machine at their respective establishments.

bKash Chief Commercial Officer Ali Ahmed, Vertical Innovations Limited CEO Rezwan Ahmed Noor and other senior officials were present on the occasion.