The Global Hunger Index 2024 reveals that 11.9% of Bangladesh's population is undernourished, highlighting ongoing challenges in combating food insecurity and malnutrition.
The report, released on Wednesday at Sheraton Dhaka, also notes that 23.6% of children under five are stunted, and 11.0% are wasted, stressing the need for accelerated efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of zero hunger.
The event, themed "Towards Zero Hunger: Challenges and Way Forward," was jointly organised by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe.
Bangladesh's GHI score of 19.4 places the country in the "moderate" hunger category, ranking 84th out of 127 countries. The score reflects the values of four key indicators: undernourishment, child mortality, child wasting, and child stunting.
There are 5 levels of GHI such as low (<9.9), Moderate (10-19.9), serious (20-34.9), alarming (35-49.9) and extremely alarming (>50). In 2000 GHI score of Bangladesh was 33.8, in 2008 was 30.6, in 2016 was 24.7.
While progress is evident—down from a score of 33.8 in 2000—the current pace remains insufficient to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger).
Farida Akhter, adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, attended as the chief guest.
She emphasised self-sufficiency and food safety, saying, "We cannot satisfy our hunger by bringing food from outside. That is why we have to produce our own food. However, food safety must be ensured because people are falling ill due to unsafe food. Being free from hunger is of no use if the food is not safe."
Dr Michal Krejza, Head of Development Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, attended as the Guest of Honour.
The GHI report highlights the enduring challenges posed by hunger, particularly in regions struggling with climate change and gender inequality. While global hunger levels have declined incrementally, the pace of progress is inadequate to meet global commitments.
Bangladesh's journey from a score of 33.8 in 2000 to 19.4 in 2024 signifies progress but also calls for accelerated efforts to secure food security and eliminate hunger. TBS.
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
