With 34.8 million people in Bangladesh, or 21% of the population, facing moderate to severe chronic food insecurity, leaders from the private sector, government, and multilateral agencies gathered in Dhaka to discuss solutions. Organized by the UN Global Compact Network Bangladesh, the event titled “Building Resilience: Advancing Sustainability” took place on Sustainability Day 2024 at the Hotel Westin.
The panel discussion brought together prominent figures, including Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, Chairman and CEO of PRAN RFL Group; Sabbir Nasir, Managing Director of ACI Logistics; Md. Rubaiyath Sarwar, Managing Director and Lead Consultant at Innovision; and Bidyut Saha, Senior Investment Officer at the Asian Development Bank. The leaders shared insights on the critical factors impacting food security in Bangladesh, such as reliance on global value chains, climate-related disruptions, income erosion, and governance challenges.
In addressing these complex issues, the panel highlighted a range of solutions aimed at strengthening resilience. Key proposals included enhancing local agricultural practices to reduce dependence on global supply chains, forming multistakeholder partnerships to develop climate-adaptive strategies, and implementing measures to secure adequate income for dietary diversity. Addressing inefficiencies within food value chains was also recognized as an essential step to achieving sustainable food security.
As Bangladesh grapples with food security challenges driven by both domestic and global factors, this discussion underscored the importance of collaboration across sectors. Participants emphasized that coordinated efforts, inclusive policies, and sustainable practices are key to building a food-secure Bangladesh.