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Special Representative //

Bangladesh has dropped to 84th position in the global hunger index. Although the score has improved, it has fallen behind other countries. Last year, Bangladesh was ranked 81st with a score of 19. However, this year, the position is 84th among 127 countries, with a score of 19.4. In other words, Bangladesh has dropped three steps in the global hunger index. According to the index, Bangladesh currently faces ‘moderate levels’ of hunger.

The Global Hunger Index (GHI) or Global Hunger Index 2024, published on Friday, also highlighted Bangladesh’s position with other countries in the world. Every year, Ireland-based organization Concern Worldwide and Germany-based Welt Hunger Hilfe jointly publish the index.

Analysis of country-wise data showed that this year’s score of Bangladesh is 19.4 on the global hunger index. Bangladesh ranks 84th among 127 countries with this number. Last year Bangladesh’s total number was 19; Ranked 81 out of 125 countries.
The level of hunger in a country is determined by taking into account four criteria – the level of undernutrition, underweight for height of children under five, short height for age of children under five and infant mortality. These indicators are used to measure hunger levels at any global, regional or national level. However, Bangladesh, which is classified as a ‘moderate’ hunger country, has seen a decrease in hunger compared to 2016; That year the score was 24.7.
The index says that the level of hunger in Bangladesh is in the middle level. If the hunger index is between 10 and 19.9, the country is considered to be suffering from ‘moderate’ hunger. As such, Bangladesh is in a moderate position.
According to the data, 11.9 percent of people in Bangladesh are still undernourished. And 2.9 percent of children die before their 5th birthday. 23.6 percent of children under 5 years of age are stunted due to malnutrition. In addition, 11 percent of children under 5 years of age are not gaining weight according to their height.
However, neighboring countries Nepal (68th position, score 14.7) and Sri Lanka (56th position, score 11.3) are ahead of Bangladesh in the hunger index. However, Bangladesh is ahead of the other two South Asian countries India and Pakistan in the ability to satisfy hunger.
In terms of ability to satisfy hunger, India’s position this year is 105th, with a score of 27.3. India has advanced six steps this year. And the position of Pakistan in the index is 109th, the score is 27.9. The country has fallen seven steps. Apart from this, Afghanistan’s position is 116th, with a score of 30.8. It has also moved back by two steps.
According to the GHI report, overall hunger in South Asia remains critical. Malnutrition is increasing in the region due to poor quality food, economic challenges and the increasing impact of natural disasters; Malnutrition, especially among children, remains at high levels.
According to the report, 11.9 percent of Bangladesh’s population is malnourished and 2.9 percent of children die before they reach five years of age. 23.6 percent of children in the country are stunted due to malnutrition. And 11 percent of children under five are stunted due to malnutrition; That is, their weight is not increasing properly in proportion to their height.
The best score on this index is zero. And the worst score is 100 points. A higher score indicates a worsening of the hunger situation, and a lower score indicates an improved situation.