Cooperatives
Worker and community-owned enterprises
Dhaka Rickshaw Pullers Cooperative
About Us The Dhaka Rickshaw Pullers Cooperative is a worker-owned organization of rickshaw pullers working across Dhaka city. We believe in dignity, fair earnings, and collective power. Our Services Rickshaw rides across Dhaka Cargo transport for small businesses Tourist rickshaw tours Member Benefits Ownership of rickshaws (no more rental fees) Health insurance for members and families Children's education support Accident insurance Retirement savings History Founded in 2020 by 50 rickshaw pullers tired of exploitation by rickshaw owners, we have grown to over 2,000 members. How We Operate Members contribute 10% of daily earnings to cooperative fund. Profits are distributed equally or reinvested in fleet expansion and member benefits. Contact Us Want to join or learn more? Contact our Mirpur office.
Jamdani Weavers Collective
Traditional Craft, Modern Cooperative The Jamdani Weavers Collective preserves and promotes the traditional Jamdani weaving art while ensuring fair earnings for artisan weavers. Our Products Traditional Jamdani sarees Modern Jamdani clothing Home textiles Custom designs Why a Cooperative? For generations, Jamdani weavers were exploited by middlemen who paid low prices and sold products at huge markups. Our cooperative gives weavers control over their craft. Member Benefits Fair prices for their work Direct market access Preservation of traditional skills Training for young weavers Social security Our Impact 300+ families supported UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage preservation Export to 12 countries Training school for young weavers Visit Us See Jamdani weaving in action at our Sonargaon workshop.
Sylhet Tea Garden Workers Cooperative
Worker Power in Tea Gardens The Sylhet Tea Garden Workers Cooperative represents workers from five tea gardens who have come together to improve their conditions. Our Activities Collective bargaining with garden management Operating cooperative stores with fair prices Housing improvement programs Children's education centers Health clinics Historical Context Tea workers in Bangladesh have been among the most marginalized. Our cooperative gives workers a collective voice and mutual support. Achievements 30% wage increase negotiated Clean water access for 1,000+ families 500 children in cooperative schools Housing repairs for 200 families Challenges Legal restrictions on worker cooperatives in tea sector Management resistance Limited capital Support Our Cause Purchase directly from our cooperative or donate to our education fund.
Cox's Bazar Fishermen's Cooperative
Sustainable Fishing, Fair Prices The Cox's Bazar Fishermen's Cooperative brings together small-scale fishermen for sustainable fishing and fair market access. Cooperative Services Shared boat ownership Fish marketing cooperative Ice and cold storage Equipment maintenance Safety training Sustainability Commitment Seasonal fishing limits No destructive fishing methods Beach cleanup programs Turtle protection Member Benefits Better prices (no middlemen) Boat and equipment access Insurance for sea accidents Family support during off-season Buy Direct Visit our fish market at Cox's Bazar for fresh, sustainably caught seafood.
Women's Handicraft Cooperative of Chittagong Hill Tracts
Indigenous Women's Empowerment This cooperative brings together women artisans from indigenous communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Our Crafts Traditional woven textiles Bamboo and cane products Indigenous jewelry Home decor items Natural dyes and fabrics Cultural Preservation Every product reflects indigenous traditions passed down through generations. Our cooperative helps preserve these cultural treasures. Economic Impact Primary income source for member families Women's economic independence Keeping youth in communities Fair Trade Certified Our products meet Fair Trade standards, ensuring fair wages and safe conditions. Visit Our Shop Our Rangamati showroom displays the full range of products. Custom orders welcome.
Dhaka Delivery Workers Cooperative
Gig Economy Alternative The Dhaka Delivery Workers Cooperative offers an alternative to exploitative delivery platforms. How We're Different Workers own the platform Fair delivery fees (no surge pricing exploitation) Worker benefits (health insurance, accident coverage) Democratic decision-making Our Services Food delivery E-commerce package delivery Document courier Grocery delivery Member Benefits Better earnings (no platform commission) Health and accident insurance Vehicle maintenance support Training and skills development Voice in how cooperative runs Partner With Us Restaurants and businesses can partner with us for ethical delivery services.
Sundarbans Honey Collectors Cooperative
Sustainable Forest Livelihoods The Sundarbans Honey Collectors Cooperative organizes traditional honey collectors (Mawalis) for sustainable harvesting and fair trade. Traditional Knowledge For generations, Mawalis have sustainably harvested honey from the Sundarbans. Our cooperative preserves this tradition. Products Pure Sundarbans honey Beeswax products Forest herbs and medicines Sustainability Practices Traditional harvesting methods No commercial beekeeping in forest Seasonal limits Colony protection Member Benefits Fair prices for honey Safety equipment and training Tiger attack insurance Off-season income support Children's education Buy Pure Honey Our honey is 100% pure Sundarbans honey, tested and certified.
Dhaka Housing Cooperative
Affordable Housing Through Cooperation The Dhaka Housing Cooperative provides affordable housing for working families through collective ownership. How It Works Members contribute monthly to housing fund Cooperative buys or builds housing Members live in cooperative housing Costs shared, no landlord profit Current Properties 50-unit apartment complex in Mirpur 30-unit complex in Mohammadpur Land purchased for 100-unit development Member Benefits Affordable rent (40% below market) Secure tenure Community living Democratic management Shared maintenance costs Join Us Open enrollment for new members. Priority for low-income working families.
Bangladesh Tech Workers Cooperative
Worker-Owned Tech The Bangladesh Tech Workers Cooperative is a software development company owned and run by its workers. Our Services Web and mobile app development Software consulting IT support Digital marketing Training and education Why Worker-Owned? In the tech industry, workers create all the value but owners take the profits. Our cooperative ensures workers benefit from their labor. How We Operate All workers are owners One person, one vote on major decisions Equal profit sharing Transparent finances Flexible working Hire Us Looking for ethical tech services? Partner with a worker-owned company. Join Our Team Experienced developers interested in cooperative work are welcome to apply.
Types of Cooperatives
Worker Co-ops
Employee-owned businesses
Consumer Co-ops
Member-owned businesses
Housing Co-ops
Democratic housing