DHAKA, Dec 11, 2024 (BSS) – Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today said that the world is still facing scarcity of food. 

"The world is still crying for food. We can see children crying for food in the Palestinian slums on TV, YouTube channels and even through other social media platforms. How can we say, there is a world free of hunger?" she said.

The adviser made the remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the 'Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024' programme, jointly organized by 'Welthungerhilfe Bangladesh' and 'Concern Worldwide Bangladesh' at hotel Sheraton in city's Banani as the chief guest.

The theme of the event was 'On the Path to a Hunger-Free Bangladesh: Obstacles and Ways to Overcome those', a press release said.

Farida said the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock is working as a supply source of protein.

"Many people talk about industrial farms. But still in various char areas of the country, women are becoming self-sufficient by rearing chickens, cows, and goats," she added.

She also urged all to encourage womenfolk about the importance of food security.

The adviser said unplanned development like construction of roads is the biggest obstacle to food supply. 

"Due to unsafe agricultural practices, we are not able to ensure safe food supply. This also does not ensure nutritional security. Emphasis should be placed on protecting the natural food diversity that exists in Bangladesh, including fish," she said.

Opposing food imports from outside, the adviser said, “If people can produce their own food in the country, then we can say that we are able to avoid hunger.” 

Head of Development Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh Dr Michal Krejza was present as the guest of honor at the event.

Food Secretary Md Masudul Hasan, Director General for the Department of Women Affairs Keya Khan, Cabinet Division Additional Secretary Mohammad Khaled Hasan, Bangladesh National Nutrition Council Director General Dr Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, 'Welthungerhilfe Bangladesh' Country Director Pankaj Kumar and Country Director of Concern Worldwide Bangladesh Manish Kumar Agrawal were present as special guests.