Economists and development specialists urge stronger social safety nets, lower agricultural production costs and climate-resilient food systems to protect vulnerable households.
The recommendations came at a discussion titled “Food Security Alert, Nutrition and Poverty, and Development of the Food System”, organised by Food Rights Bangladesh Network and WAVE Foundation at the National Press Club in Dhaka today (29 October) to mark World Food Day 2026. Photo: Courtesy
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The recommendations came at a discussion titled “Food Security Alert, Nutrition and Poverty, and Development of the Food System”, organised by Food Rights Bangladesh Network and WAVE Foundation at the National Press Club in Dhaka today (29 October) to mark World Food Day 2026. Photo: Courtesy
Experts have called for coordinated government action to tackle food insecurity in Bangladesh, warning that inflation, poverty and rising living costs are making it harder for vulnerable households to access affordable and nutritious food.
They urged policymakers to strengthen social protection programmes, improve food supply chains, reduce agricultural production costs and ensure effective market management to protect low-income communities.
The recommendations came at a discussion titled “Food Security Alert, Nutrition and Poverty, and Development of the Food System”, organised by Food Rights Bangladesh Network and WAVE Foundation at the National Press Club in Dhaka today (29 October) to mark World Food Day 2026.
Mohsin Ali, general secretary of Food Rights Bangladesh and executive director of WAVE Foundation, chaired the event, while Dr AK Enamul Haque, director general of the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), attended as a special guest.
Enamul Haque said food security depended not only on the availability of food but also on people’s purchasing power and access to affordable supplies.
He called for better food supply chains, stronger measures to prevent food adulteration, lower agricultural production costs and expanded employment opportunities.
Highlighting the links between food security, energy prices and climate change, he stressed the need for research-based solutions and coordinated action beyond government initiatives.
Economist and political analyst Prof MM Akash warned that economic stagnation and inflation could push more people into poverty, further limiting their ability to afford basic necessities.
He called for land reform and open dialogue with the government to protect people’s right to food, warning that worsening economic conditions could leave vulnerable communities facing severe hardship.
Malte Schümmelfeder, head of programmes at Welthungerhilfe Bangladesh, said climate change disproportionately affected women and children, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to protect vulnerable groups.
Dr Sayma Haq Bidisha, a professor in the University of Dhaka’s economics department, said long-term energy security was closely linked to food security, as energy costs affected food production, transportation and prices.
She called for greater transparency in social protection programmes, increased allocations for the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) and measures to bring more low-income urban households under social safety nets.
Tania Sharmin, senior adviser on youth, child poverty and economic resilience at Save the Children in Bangladesh, stressed the need for nutrition interventions tailored to the specific needs of children and adults.
The speakers urged policymakers to pursue inclusive, coordinated and climate-resilient measures to ensure sustainable access to safe, affordable and nutritious food for all.
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