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THE Global Hunger Index 2024, published by Welthungerhilfe, Germany based non-profit and non-governmental aid agency, provides an important snapshot of the global state of hunger and malnutrition. This year’s findings reflect both progress and stagnation. While some nations inch closer to the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger by 2030, others remain firmly stuck in cycles of deprivation. Bangladesh, long removed from its past of famine and endemic food insecurity now finds itself at a difficult crossroads — marked by improvement in some areas yet still grappling with entrenched nutritional inequities and regional disparities. The latest index places Bangladesh 76th out of 125 countries, with a score of 25.1 — classifying hunger levels as serious. The ranking points to both advancement and unfinished work, demanding a renewed focus on structural challenges, particularly in malnutrition and access to nutrient-rich food across different regions and communities.

Bangladesh has indeed made important gains. Child mortality and undernourishment have declined, largely thanks to improved healthcare coverage, immunisation drives and expanded social safety net programmes. Yet troubling indicators persist — child stunting and child wasting continue to cast long shadows, especially in rural and coastal belts. These two metrics — low height-for-age and low weight-for-height — are not merely biological outcomes; they reflect deeper structural deficiencies in food systems, nutrition awareness and social protection mechanisms. The index also flags growing concern over regional inequalities. Urban centres fare better on most indicators, while rural and coastal regions suffer from disproportionate levels of hunger, largely due to poor infrastructure, climate vulnerabilities and limited access to essential services. Addressing such internal disparities is key to building a more food-secure and nutritionally balanced society.

The roots of hunger in Bangladesh lie in a complex web of interrelated factors. Climate change, first and foremost, is taking a heavy toll on food production. Bangladesh ranks among the world’s most climate vulnerable countries. Recurrent floods, cyclones and saltwater intrusion in coastal areas are eroding agricultural productivity. Traditional crops, particularly rice, are becoming increasingly difficult to cultivate in salinity-affected soils. As farmers struggle to cope, many are forced either to abandon agriculture altogether or to switch to less nutritious crop varieties that offer little in terms of dietary diversity. Moreover, climate stress does not act in isolation — it reduces access to clean water, weakens sanitation systems and increases disease burden, all of which aggravate the risk of under-nutrition.

Economic inequality remains another persistent obstacle to food security. While poverty levels have fallen, the poorest segments of the population still struggle to afford a balanced diet. For many families, especially in rural areas, food consumption revolves around a narrow range of staples such as rice and potatoes — filling, but nutritionally inadequate. With rising food prices and inflation, households are increasingly compelled to make choices that favour quantity over quality, with long-term consequences for child health and cognitive development. The government’s poverty reduction efforts, though commendable, have not fully translated into nutritional equity. The lowest-income households remain locked in a cycle where undernourishment is not merely an outcome but a symptom of broader systemic neglect.

Equally troubling is the issue of micronutrient deficiency — often described as hidden hunger. Although general undernourishment figures have improved, millions continue to suffer from deficits in iron, vitamin A and zinc. These deficiencies manifest in myriad ways: anaemia, impaired immune function, stunted growth, maternal mortality and developmental delays in children. The nutrition challenge has also evolved in more complex directions. The country now faces the so-called double burden of malnutrition — where under-nutrition and obesity coexist, particularly in urban populations. This shift reflects a dietary transition driven by urbanisation and changing lifestyles — marked by increased intake of processed, calorie-dense foods and reduced physical activity.

Population pressure and rapid urbanisation add further strain to the country’s food systems. Bangladesh, with over 1,100 people per square kilometre, has one of the highest population densities in the world. As cities expand, agricultural land is shrinking, while urban food demand continues to rise. Urban markets depend heavily on food supplies from rural areas, where infrastructure remains underdeveloped. The result is a supply chain that is not only inefficient but also contributes to inflated prices and unequal access to fresh, nutritious produce. Urban dwellers face high costs, while rural producers struggle to access profitable markets — a paradox that illustrates the imbalance in Bangladesh’s food economy.

Another often overlooked but critical factor is food loss and waste. Estimates suggest that nearly a third of all food produced in the country is lost before it reaches consumers. This is primarily due to poor post-harvest storage, inadequate transportation and weak supply chain management. In a country where large sections of the population remain food-insecure, such levels of loss are inexcusable. From lack of refrigeration and cold storage facilities to logistical bottlenecks and market access constraints, the inefficiencies are structural rather than incidental.

Addressing these interlocking challenges requires a multi-dimensional response. Strengthening climate-resilient agriculture must form a central plank of any strategy. This entails investment in drought-tolerant and saline-resistant crop varieties, improved irrigation systems and sustainable farming practices that regenerate soil health and promote biodiversity. Agroecological approaches and organic farming methods offer viable alternatives, particularly for smallholder farmers who are often most vulnerable to climate shocks. State institutions and development agencies must work together to ensure that farmers are equipped with the tools, knowledge and resources they need to adapt and thrive.

Social safety nets also demand urgent scaling up. Programmes such as the Vulnerable Group Feeding scheme and Food for Work have demonstrated impact, but their reach and efficiency need further strengthening. Nutrition-specific interventions should target pregnant women, young children and marginalised communities. These safety nets must not merely provide food but must promote dietary diversity, enable self-sufficiency and support income-generating activities. Well-designed cash transfer programmes, school feeding schemes and maternal nutrition drives can make a tangible difference, provided they are managed transparently and delivered without political interference.

Bangladesh also needs to push forward with nutrition-sensitive agriculture — an approach that prioritises production of nutrient-rich crops and educates communities about healthy diets. Pulses, fruits, leafy vegetables and animal-sourced proteins must become central to both farming policies and consumption practices. Extension services must integrate nutritional training into their outreach activities. Schools, local governments and community centres can play vital roles in reinforcing these messages and fostering behavioural change.

Reducing food waste requires urgent attention as well. Investments in storage infrastructure, cold chains and transport logistics must accompany community-level education campaigns on food handling and waste reduction. Innovations such as solar-powered cold storage, mobile platforms for market linkages and improved packaging techniques can minimise losses and enhance access.

Empowering women and engaging youth will be critical to reshaping the food system. Women are central to household nutrition decisions. Ensuring their access to education, credit, land and training in agricultural techniques can deliver compounding benefits across generations. Similarly, involving young people through skills development and entrepreneurship in agriculture can inject innovation and resilience into a sector long regarded as stagnant. Youth-led start-ups in agri-tech, data analytics and sustainable farming hold untapped potential to address persistent inefficiencies.

Technology, too, must be harnessed more effectively. Digital platforms can provide farmers with weather updates, price information and access to markets. Satellite data can monitor crop health, inform disaster response and guide policy decisions. The future of agriculture in Bangladesh depends not only on better seeds and fertilisers, but also on better information.

Lastly, achieving food security will require stronger partnerships — between government, civil society, the private sector and international actors. Regional cooperation can offer shared solutions to climate resilience, food trade and knowledge exchange. Policy frameworks must be sharpened to integrate nutrition goals within broader development plans and funding must be mobilised with transparency and urgency.

The index should not be read as a verdict but as a call to action. The country’s progress is real, but so are the structural vulnerabilities. Bangladesh cannot afford complacency. The fight against hunger must be relentless, strategic and inclusive — rooted in scientific planning, political will and community ownership. For a nation that has overcome famine and destitution within living memory, the task ahead is not just to feed its people but to nourish them — equitably, sustainably and with dignity.

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Musharraf Tansen is a development analyst and former country representative of Malala Fund