Around 1.6 crore people in Bangladesh continue to face acute food insecurity this year despite some progress from 2024, according to a new report jointly prepared by the Bangladesh government, United Nations agencies, and humanitarian partners.

The number marks an improvement from 2.35 crore people last year, signaling that while the immediate crisis may have eased, Bangladesh remains entrenched in a long-term battle against hunger and malnutrition.

Among those affected, 3.61 lakh people are experiencing conditions classified as “emergency”  a technical label that conceals the grim reality of widespread hunger and desperation.

The report identifies Cox’s Bazar as the hardest-hit region, where both Rohingya refugees and vulnerable host communities face critical shortages of food and income. The combination of forced displacement, climate shocks, and economic hardship has created what experts describe as a “perfect storm” of humanitarian need.

Bangladesh’s food insecurity crisis stems from a mix of climate-induced disasters, economic instability, and declining international aid.

The 2024 floods devastated farmlands, destroying crops and livelihoods essential for recovery. At the same time, rising inflation and market volatility have eroded purchasing power, pushing millions closer to hunger.

Adding to the concern is a sharp decline in humanitarian funding. International support that once sustained the Rohingya refugee response has waned. “The world rallied with promises when the Rohingya fled genocide; it is now quietly reneging on those promises,” the report warns.

The report also highlights a worsening nutrition emergency, with an estimated 16 lakh children under five projected to suffer from acute malnutrition this year. Experts warn that early childhood malnutrition can cause irreversible physical and cognitive damage, undermining Bangladesh’s human capital and long-term development.

The Bangladesh government acknowledged the “sobering picture” and pledged to step up efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition. The report calls for life-saving food assistance, shock-responsive safety nets, and agricultural support to strengthen resilience in affected communities.

However, officials and aid agencies caution that domestic action alone will not suffice. “Bangladesh’s progress in food security is fragile,” the report notes. “Sustained financial and technical support from the international community is essential.”

While the reduction in food insecurity since 2024 shows the impact of coordinated action, donor fatigue and global indifference threaten to reverse hard-won gains.

“Millions of people facing severe hunger are the final test of our collective conscience,” the report concludes. “Their struggle is a mirror to the world’s moral resolve  one that can no longer afford to look away.”

Top 10 Facts About Hunger in Bangladesh:

Highest Rate of Undernutrition in South Asia: One in two children under five is chronically undernourished or stunted; 14% suffer from wasting. WHO estimates that two-thirds of deaths under five are linked to undernutrition.

Food Security Gaps: Out of 50 million food-insecure people, less than half have access to government safety net programs.

Seasonal Hunger: Lean seasons reduce food availability and employment opportunities, worsening rural poverty.

Poverty and Exclusion: Food insecurity is fueled by underemployment, lack of land access, social exclusion, and disasters — with women and children most affected.

Women’s Health: About 24% of women are underweight and 13% are short in stature, increasing the risk of stunted children.

Poor Dietary Diversity: Only 25% of children meet the minimum dietary diversity standard of four out of seven food groups daily.

Gender Inequality: In times of scarcity, women sacrifice food first, reflecting deep-rooted gender bias.

Hidden Hunger Beyond Poverty: Even in wealthier households, 26% of children are stunted showing that malnutrition is not limited to the poor.

Micronutrient Deficiency: About 50% of salt in Bangladesh is not adequately iodized, while rice-heavy diets contribute to zinc deficiency.

Environmental Threats: Flooding, soil degradation, and lack of sustainable farming education continue to threaten food production and security.