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TL;DR
- Thanchi Upazila in Bandarban is experiencing a severe food crisis due to poor weather and harvests.
- Many families are relying on bamboo shoots for sustenance, leading to child malnutrition.
- Local authorities have allocated rice to alleviate the shortage and are delivering it to affected villages.
- The crisis highlights the region’s vulnerability to food insecurity, similar to a situation in 2012.
In the remote hilly areas of Thanchi Upazila in Bandarban, Bangladesh, a severe food crisis has forced many families to subsist on bamboo shoots. This dire situation has predominantly affected children, leading to widespread malnutrition. The crisis has been attributed to adverse weather conditions and poor paddy harvests, which have severely impacted the local agricultural practices, particularly jhum cultivation, a traditional form of shifting agriculture.
Local residents have reported that families in various wards, including Menhat Mro, Bulu Mro, Tangkhoya Mro, Markshyong Jhiri, and Kongkong Tripura, are heavily reliant on bamboo shoots for sustenance. Mro Karbari, a local leader, noted that the inclement weather has drastically reduced rice availability, leaving many families with insufficient food supplies. He also expressed concern that if villagers are forced to wander in search of food, it could lead to environmental degradation.
The food crisis has been exacerbated by the lack of financial resources among villagers to purchase rice. Consequently, many are resorting to desperate measures, such as prematurely harvesting paddy, to feed their children. Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Md Wahiduzzaman Murad has dispatched medical personnel to provide primary care to affected children, highlighting the health risks posed by the crisis.
In response to the situation, Remakri Union Chairman Muishithui Marma Roni has coordinated with local authorities to address the shortage. Upon being informed by ward member Mangchan, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) allocated one ton of rice to be distributed from the Thanchi food warehouse. UNO Mohammad Mamun explained that due to the absence of mobile networks in border villages, the food shortage was only communicated on May 1 through local journalists. Efforts are underway to deliver rice to the affected villages via engine boats, with plans to continue food aid until the next harvest is ready.
The current crisis in Thanchi is reminiscent of a similar situation in 2012, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to food insecurity. According to reports, over 95% of the local population relies on jhum cultivation, which has been severely disrupted by climatic shocks. Broader reports indicate that Bangladesh is experiencing heightened levels of acute food insecurity, with climatic events and economic pressures further exacerbating the situation.
Efforts to address malnutrition in Bandarban have been ongoing, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for capacity building and awareness to prevent such crises. However, the geographical and economic challenges in the region continue to pose significant obstacles to achieving food security and improving nutritional outcomes. As the government and local authorities work to mitigate the immediate crisis, there is a pressing need for sustainable solutions to ensure the long-term well-being of the affected communities.
Source: DhakaTribune
