In a stark warning, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has said that poverty in Bangladesh is set to rise in the coming days, with over 30 lakh people facing the risk of falling into extreme poverty. The alert comes as part of its newly released report “Poverty Amid Conflict,” highlighting the growing threat of economic instability and inequality in the country.
Currently, over 4 crore (41 million) Bangladeshis are trapped in extreme poverty, with the majority suffering from poor living conditions, lack of education, and inadequate healthcare. The UNDP attributes these dire circumstances to compounding challenges, including global conflicts, economic disruptions, and internal vulnerabilities.
The report further cautions that unless immediate action is taken, millions more could be pushed below the poverty line, making sustainable development even more difficult to achieve. UNDP has urged policymakers to focus on inclusive recovery, with particular attention to nutrition, education, and healthcare access for the most vulnerable communities.
As Bangladesh grapples with economic pressure and global uncertainties, the findings serve as a sobering call for urgent, targeted interventions.