BAU Correspondent:
The overall nutrition status of children in Bangladesh remains alarming, with widespread deficiencies of vitamins and minerals among both children and women. More than 22 percent of women and children are suffering from vitamin D deficiency, while 44 percent of women are affected by zinc deficiency and 42 percent by iodine deficiency. Malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies have now become a major public health concern for the country.
Experts emphasized that fortification of foods other than salt is urgently needed. The observations came at a workshop titled “Importance of Food Fortification in Bangladesh”, organized by Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) on Tuesday (September 30) at the Faculty of Agriculture’s conference hall.
The workshop was jointly arranged by the Professor Muhammad Hossain Central Laboratory (PMHCL) of BAU and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).
Presenting the keynote paper, Dr. Mohammad Gulzarul Aziz, Professor of Food Technology and Rural Industries at BAU, said: “Food fortification is a process of enhancing the nutritional value of food by adding one or more vitamins and minerals in specific amounts. Currently, initiatives have been taken to fortify rice with six micronutrients—Vitamin A, B-1, B-12, folic acid, iodine, iron, and zinc. In addition, fortifying edible oil with Vitamin D can help address the existing Vitamin D deficiency among women and children.”
He further noted that several Asian countries have already made food fortification mandatory. For example, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Nepal, and Sri Lanka have introduced iodized salt nationwide. In Indonesia and the Philippines, wheat flour, oil, rice, and sugar are also fortified. “In contrast, Bangladesh has only implemented salt iodization so far, with no fortification initiatives for wheat flour or other foods,” he added.
The workshop was chaired by PMHCL Director Professor Dr. Md. Amir Hossain, while BAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A K Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan attended as chief guest. Special guests included Dr. Shariful Hoque Bhuiyan, Director General of Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA). More than 150 teachers and researchers from different faculties of the university participated.
In his remarks, Vice-Chancellor Professor Bhuiyan said: “This workshop is undoubtedly an awareness-raising program of great importance for the nation. Despite awareness, non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension continue to rise due to a lack of control. If we can apply these findings in real life, raise awareness, and conduct appropriate research, the country will benefit immensely. Not only BAU or BINA, but other universities, government institutions, and civil society should also be involved to make this initiative more effective.”
He also highlighted the importance of establishing a Center of Excellence to contribute to research, education, and national awareness, stressing that Bangladesh should follow the example of Korea, where the government has invested heavily in research with significant benefits. He urged researchers to patent their innovations, ensuring recognition, financial incentives, and national benefit.
Among others, BAU Registrar Kbd. Dr.Md. Halal Uddin, Treasurer Professor Dr. Humayun Kabir, senior officials, and scientists from BINA were present at the event.
