70% of deaths in Bangladesh caused by non-communicable diseases

Nearly 70 percent of all deaths in the country are caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The uncontrolled presence of excessive sugar, salt, and harmful trans-fats in processed foods is considered one of the key reasons. In light of these considerations, experts have stated that simple and mandatory Front-of-Pack Labeling (FOPL) on packaged foods needs to be implemented quickly, so that ordinary people can make healthier food choices.

Speakers made these remarks today (Tuesday) at a workshop titled "Media Campaign on Front-of-Pack Labeling (FOPL) of Packaged Foods in Bangladesh," organized by the Health and Nutrition Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission at the World Literature Center in the capital.

The inaugural speech was delivered by Iqbal Masud, Director of the Health Sector at Dhaka Ahsania Mission. He said that the excessive presence of salt, sugar, and fat in food is silently pushing people toward death. He emphasized that FOPL policies are indispensable, especially to protect children and young people from the harmful effects of processed foods. He informed that the government has taken the initiative to formulate regulations regarding FOPL, and Dhaka Ahsania Mission is working as a partner in this effort.

According to Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, Country Lead of the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, work is underway to formulate a simple and mandatory FOPL policy in Bangladesh, following international standards. To control NCDs and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the government, media, and all relevant stakeholders must work together to create a safe food environment.
Pratik Ijaz, President of the Bangladesh Health Reporters Forum, commented that the media has a crucial role in ensuring safe food. Without knowing, people buy various processed foods for their families every day. Therefore, journalists need to publish consistent reports to raise public awareness and highlight the issue to policymakers.

Shamsun Nahar Mahua, Chief Nutritionist at BIRDEM General Hospital, stated that addiction to processed foods among children and adolescents is increasing, creating risks of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease at an early age. Simple warning labels on the front of packages will help consumers make quicker, healthier decisions.

Abu Rushd Md. Ruhul Amin, Senior News Editor of Banglavision, explained that FOPL is a simple and clear labeling system that warns consumers within seconds about excess harmful ingredients, right on the front of the food package. In countries like Chile and Mexico, where this system has been introduced, consumer awareness has increased, and food manufacturers have also been encouraged to bring comparatively healthier products to the market.

Mainul Hasan Sohel, General Secretary of the Dhaka Reporters Unity, stated that the media has a strong role in delivering this important public health issue to the policy-making level and building awareness among the general public. Objective and investigative reporting can further accelerate policy implementation.

At the end of the workshop, speakers said that to ensure safe food, the government, food industry, researchers, consumer rights organizations, and the media must work in a coordinated manner. They called for the swift implementation of an international-standard, mandatory Front-of-Pack Labeling (FOPL) policy to protect future generations from the risks of non-communicable diseases.