An analysis of government budget sees a declining trend of allocation in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for last four years. The allocation in FY 2010-11 was 2.4 percent of the total budget that disappointingly came down to only 1.2 percent in FY 2013-14. Although the ‘urban vs rural’ disparity in allocation has slightly been minimised in running year, it is not equitable yet. At present the ratio is 69:31. However, the allocation in coastal areas is disproportionately low; only one-fifth of the urban allocation. Government investment in coastal areas is stuck at a very limited budgetary allocation despite incremental salinity infestation in drinking water. This results in severe water and sanitation crisis for poor and marginal people; and impedes overall national development ...

Chemically-treated Indian mangoes have flooded the markets in Jessore region, posing serious health risks, UNB reports. Visiting different markets, the UNB correspondent found out that low quality Indian mangoes are selling at Tk 100 per kg near the Benapole border area, while they are selling at Tk 120-130 per kg in Jessore. Locals alleged that good-looking Indian mangoes, including Golapkhas, are being smuggled into the country with the assistance of Indian Border Security Force (BSF). The smuggled mangoes are also sent to other part...

Work forces of Bangladesh are at high risk due to use of toxic chemicals at almost every workplace, said experts. “In our country indiscriminate use of chemicals at almost every workplaces is a common phenomenon . hundreds of people die annually due to their hazardous work particularly in ship- breaking, tanneries, chemical industries and farming which are in the top death ranks,” said National expert on Chemical Safety Dr Shahriar Hossain. According to a survey conducted by Bangladesh Occupational Safety, Health and Env...

Almost a third of Bangladesh's population lives below the poverty line and a significant proportion exist in extreme poverty. As a result, rates of malnutrition in Bangladesh are among the highest in the world. The problem is particularly acute in rural and urban slums. The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition's (GAIN) micronutrient survey showed that more than half of Bangladeshi children living in slum areas suffer the effects of stunting - failing to grow to their potential height. The underlying causes of malnutrition in Bangladesh include: a lack of access to diverse foodstuffs, high level of social and geographical exclusion, inter-intra household disparities, discrimination and a lack of education on nutrition. Impoverished families don't have the means to grow or purchase a...