National
BBS Survey Reveals Nearly 22% of Bangladesh Households Face Food Insecurity
The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) released its Food Security Statistics 2023, revealing that approximately 21.91% of households in the country are grappling with moderate or severe food insecurity. The report, based on a survey of 29,760 households, highlighted regional variations, with the highest percentage (29.98%) of households experiencing moderate or severe food insecurity in the Rangpur Division.
Breaking down the data, Sylhet Division had the highest proportion (1.42%) of households facing severe food insecurity. In contrast, Rajshahi Division had the lowest percentage (0.51%) of households experiencing severe food insecurity. The findings indicated that the situation was complex, with urban areas (20.77%) showing slightly lower food insecurity than rural areas (24.12%).
The dissemination event of the key findings included insights from Dr. Shahnaz Arefin, Secretary of Statistics and Informatics Division, who emphasized the survey’s importance in understanding the nation’s food security landscape. Efforts were discussed to create a dashboard on the country’s food system, and officials highlighted the need to address food wastage to alleviate food insecurity. The survey is expected to inform government policies related to food security, with a focus on diverse food intake trends and different socioeconomic classes.
In terms of employment status, the report indicated that working individuals faced a food insecurity rate of 21.23%, while those not working experienced a slightly higher rate at 22.56%. Additionally, the survey highlighted variations in food insecurity across different income brackets, with the poorest facing a severity rate of 1.72%, compared to 0.41% for the richest class.
The data underscores the significance of addressing food security challenges in Bangladesh, prompting discussions on policy interventions and strategies to minimize food wastage and enhance the resilience of vulnerable households.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds at most places across the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas may experience moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall, according to their latest weather bulletin released on Thursday.
Day and night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged across the country.
The highest rainfall in the country over the past 24 hours was recorded in Kumarkhali, with 104mm of rain by 6 a.m. on Thursday.
The axis of the monsoon trough extends from India’s Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal to Assam, passing through Bangladesh, with one of its associated troughs stretching into the North Bay of Bengal.
The monsoon remains active over Bangladesh and moderate to strong over the North Bay region.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted that the mild heat wave currently affecting parts of the country, including the capital, is expected to subside in most areas within the next 24 hours, starting from 9 am today.
“A mild heat wave is sweeping across the divisions of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Sylhet, as well as the districts of Jashore, Chuadanga, and Kushtia. It is likely to ease in most regions,” the department reported.
In addition, BMD predicted light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers, accompanied by temporary gusty winds, across most of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas are expected to experience moderate to very heavy rainfall.
Temperatures across the country may drop by 1-2 degrees Celsius during both day and night.
On Monday, Dinajpur in the Rangpur division recorded the country’s highest temperature at 38.6°C, while Bandarban in the Chattogram division saw the lowest temperature at 24.6°C early today.
Meanwhile, rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours, ending at 6 am today, reached 66 mm in Nikli of Dhaka Division.
The sunset in Dhaka is at 5:53 pm today, and sunrise is expected at 5:49 am tomorrow.
Two separate murder cases were filed today in connection with the deaths of a private service holder and a Madrasa student during the anti-discrimination student movement.
The first case was lodged by Ridwan Ahmed with Panchlaish police station, accusing former ministers Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, and 127 others for the death of his nephew Sujan, 14. Sujan, the son of Belal Hossain from Beramara village in Noakhali’s Sadar Thana, was a student at Al Jamirul Hayat Madrasa in the city’s Chandgaon area. He was fatally shot in the Muradpur area on July 18.
The second case was filed by Jamal Uddin at Doublemooring police station, accusing 225 individuals, including Dr. Hasan Mahmud and Education Minister Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, for the killing of his elder brother Alam, a private service holder, on August 5.
