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Wednesday | 22 January 2025 | Epaper

Battling Food Insecurity amidst Market Instability

Published : Monday, 18 March, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 359
Dr Mohd Mizanur Rahman
Despite government efforts to stabilize prices through market interventions and subsidies, the middle class often finds themselves at the mercy of market forces beyond their control. As prices soar and supplies dwindle, the ability of families to access nutritious food becomes increasingly precarious

In Bangladesh, the middle class is the backbone of society, encompassing a significant portion of the population. However, despite their crucial role, many middle-class families find themselves grappling with the harsh reality of food insecurity, particularly during Ramadan, a time of heightened spiritual reflection and fasting.

The instability of the daily essential food market has exacerbated this struggle, leaving the voices of the middle class unheard and their plight overlooked. In recent times, this vital segment of society has found itself facing an uphill battle when it comes to providing the necessities of food, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. The instability in the daily essential food market has exacerbated the challenges, leaving many families grappling with the burden of managing three meals a day for their children alongside daily iftar and sehri expenses.

For the Bangladeshi middle class, managing the daily essentials, including providing three nutritious meals a day for their children, is becoming increasingly challenging. With the rising cost of living and stagnant incomes, families are forced to make difficult choices, often sacrificing quality and variety in their meals to make ends meet. The burden of ensuring food security weighs heavily on their shoulders, as they strive to provide for their families while navigating the uncertainties of the market.

Ramadan, the month of fasting and spiritual reflection, is a time when families come together to break their fast and partake in the pre-dawn meal of sehri. However, for the middle class, ensuring an adequate supply of food for these meals has become increasingly difficult due to the unpredictable fluctuations in the prices of essential food items.


During Ramadan, the challenges faced by the middle class are further amplified. While the holy month is traditionally a time of spiritual reflection, fasting, and community, it also brings added financial strain for many families. The cost of iftar, the meal to break the fast, can be prohibitively high, especially when coupled with the expenses of providing sehri, the pre-dawn meal, and maintaining regular meals for children.
 
For middle-class families, the pressure to uphold religious traditions while meeting basic nutritional needs can feel overwhelming.

One of the primary factors contributing to this struggle is the volatility of the daily essential food market in Bangladesh. Prices of staples such as rice, lentils, vegetables, and cooking oil often fluctuate erratically, making it challenging for families to budget effectively and plan their meals.

The middle class, already burdened with the rising costs of education, healthcare, and housing, find themselves stretched thin as they try to make ends meet while ensuring that their children receive proper nutrition and meals during Ramadan.

Central to the struggles of the middle class is the instability of the daily essential food market. Fluctuations in prices, shortages of key commodities, and hoarding practices contribute to an environment of uncertainty and volatility.

Despite government efforts to stabilize prices through market interventions and subsidies, the middle class often finds themselves at the mercy of market forces beyond their control. As prices soar and supplies dwindle, the ability of families to access nutritious food becomes increasingly precarious.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has added another layer of complexity to the situation, with many families experiencing job losses, reduced incomes, and increased financial strain.

As the economy struggles to recover from the effects of the pandemic, the middle class finds itself grappling with the dual challenges of inflation and unemployment, further exacerbating their struggle to afford three meals a day for their children and daily iftar and sehri expenses during Ramadan.

What is particularly distressing is the sense of invisibility felt by the middle class in the face of these challenges. While their voices may be drowned out by the louder cries of those living in poverty or amplified by the affluent, the struggles of the middle class remain largely overlooked. Theirs is a silent suffering, borne out of pride and resilience, but deserving of attention and support nonetheless.

Addressing the plight of the Bangladeshi middle class requires a multi-faceted approach. Government initiatives aimed at stabilizing food prices and ensuring equitable access to essential commodities are essential.

Additionally, there is a need for targeted support programs tailored to the unique needs of middle-class families, including subsidies for essential food items and assistance with educational expenses.

In light of these challenges, it is imperative for the government to take proactive measures to address the root causes of food insecurity and stabilize the essential food market. This includes implementing effective price control mechanisms, investing in agricultural infrastructure and technology to enhance food production and distribution, and strengthening social safety nets to provide assistance to vulnerable households.

Additionally, there is a need for greater transparency and accountability in the food supply chain to prevent hoarding, price manipulation, and other unethical practices that drive up food prices and exacerbate food insecurity for the middle class.

Civil society organizations and community groups can also play a vital role in raising awareness about the challenges faced by the middle class and advocating for policy changes that prioritize their well-being.

In conclusion, the struggles of the Bangladeshi middle class to manage their daily food needs and uphold religious traditions during Ramadan are a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of food insecurity in our society. As we strive for progress and development, let us not forget the silent cries of the middle class, who are the backbone of our nation.

It is only by listening to their voices and addressing their needs that we can truly build a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

The author is Research Fellow and Senior Lecturer, Management & Science University, Malaysia



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