To mark World Food Day 2025 under the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” Right to Food Bangladesh Network organized a central discussion titled “Challenges and Actions in Poverty Situation and Food Management in Bangladesh” on 15 October 2025 at the National Press Club. The program highlighted Bangladesh’s current food situation in comparison with neighboring countries, emphasizing the urgent need for a Right to Food Act to ensure food security, stabilize prices, and expand income opportunities for marginalized communities.
The discussions underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement, inclusive agricultural systems, and comprehensive poverty alleviation measures, including social safety nets, women’s employment opportunities, investment in health and education, skills development, and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In line with this, the network organized a nationwide campaign from 11 to 20 October 2025 across 24 districts, featuring rallies, discussions, human chains, and submission of memoranda to district commissioners. Communities and stakeholders actively participated, collectively strengthening the call for food security and rights for all Bangladeshis. The campaign encouraged citizens, youth, farmers, and civil society to collectively advocate for food rights and adopt policies that prioritize nutrition and equitable access to food.
Mohsin Ali, General Secretary of Right to Food Bangladesh and Founder Executive Director of WAVE Foundation, chaired the session and emphasized the importance of inclusive governance, rights-based approaches, and strengthening food security and social justice in Bangladesh.
Other distinguished guests and speakers included Dr. M. M. Akash, former Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Dhaka; Shila Rani Das, Additional Director, Department of Social Services; Dr. S. M. Zulfikar Ali, Research Director, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS); Nuzhat Jabin, Country Director, Christian Aid Bangladesh; and Mr. Mamunur Rashid, Head of Project, Welthungerhilfe (WHH) Bangladesh.
The session featured a keynote presentation by Professor Dr. Asif Mohammad Shahan from the Department of Development Studies, University of Dhaka. Participants included representatives from member organizations, youth networks, civil society leaders, media professionals, and other relevant stakeholders. The discussion was moderated by Kaniz Fatima, Coordinator of Right to Food Bangladesh and Deputy Director of WAVE.
