Desiring a society devoid of inequality for food security.

A report titled "Food Security Statistics-2023" published by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) shines a light on the alarming state of food insecurity in Bangladesh. Approximately 26.13 percent of families in Bangladesh are struggling with food insecurity. The report says that the total population of the country is 16 crore 98 lakh 28 thousand 911 people. Accordingly, 3 crore 77 lakh people are at risk of food insecurity.

According to the report, 14 lakh 77 thousand people were in dire food crisis last year. Many of them skipped meals altogether throughout the day. Some went days without eating, and even when they did eat, their meals lacked adequate nutrition. As a result, a large number of people are suffering from malnutrition. Due to malnutrition, they are vulnerable to various health issues. Productivity is decreasing at an alarming rate. Its impact is affecting families, society, and the nation as a whole.

In order to adopt a national priority-based policy for food security, a survey was conducted to prepare the necessary statistical data. Information was collected directly through interviews from a total of 29,760 households. According to the survey findings, food insecurity is higher in rural areas compared to urban areas. The rate of food insecurity in rural areas is 24.12 percent, while in urban areas, it is 20.77 percent. However, in the areas under the city corporation, this rate is only 11.45 percent. When considering housing conditions, 26 percent of households living in makeshift shelters suffer from food insecurity. Meanwhile, 20 percent of households in semi-pucca houses and 15 percent in permanent structures are experiencing such insecurity.

According to available data, food insecurity rates are highest in the Rangpur division. In the Rangpur division, the highest percentage of households, at 29.98 percent, are experiencing food insecurity. In Sylhet, the second-highest rate is 26.48 percent. In Mymensingh, it's 26 percent, and in Rajshahi, the rate is 25 percent. In the Dhaka division, the rate is relatively lower at only 17.40 percent.

Another alarming issue is that food producers themselves are the ones suffering the most from food insecurity. If those who are producing food are experiencing food insecurity, then it becomes a major cause for concern. This raises the question: where is the food produced by these producers going? Why are the producers themselves experiencing food insecurity?

In Bangladesh, opinions vary widely regarding the root causes of food insecurity. Some may attribute it to conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, while others may blame global phenomena. However, the primary cause of food crisis in Bangladesh is limitless income inequality. Without addressing inequality, it's impossible to alleviate food insecurity for countless individuals. In this regard, it's essential for the government and all capable individuals in the country to become aware and take action.