Malnutrition cuts Bangladesh’s economic growth by 8% annually

Malnutrition is cutting Bangladesh’s economic growth by 8% annually as the country faces undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and rising obesity, experts said.

Specialists at a nutrition roundtable said every Tk1 invested in nutrition, about 1 U.S. cent, could generate more than Tk23, approximately 19 cents, in long-term economic returns.

Public health nutrition specialist Saiqa Siraj said nearly 70% of Bangladeshis rely on cereal-based diets, while marginalized communities lack adequate nutrition services.

Tahmeed Ahmed, executive director of the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, said one in four children under age 5 is stunted and maternal malnutrition often begins the problem before birth.

Officials said about 400,000 children have severe acute malnutrition. Government plans include recruiting 100,000 health workers, establishing primary healthcare units nationwide and issuing digital health cards as Bangladesh shifts toward preventive care.