United news 24 Desk ::
Bangladesh is facing a serious public health crisis, as evidence mounts of widespread harmful chemicals in food, heavy metal lead contamination in food, affecting millions of children nationwide. At a high-level government meeting on Sunday at the state guesthouse Jamuna, the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) revealed that 22 out of 180 food samples tested in recent years contained excessive levels of lead or lead chromate.
Professor Yunus emphasized that food availability cannot come at the expense of public health. He called for nationwide awareness campaigns and the integration of food safety into school and university curricula.
The Chief Advisor also asked for a concrete action plan within one week. After reviewing implementation aspects, he said authorities would prioritize which measures need to begin immediately. “We will take urgent initiatives in this regard without delay,” he added.
Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor Sayedur Rahman recommended mobilizing university laboratories for the rapid detection of contaminated products.
Contaminated spices, polluted soil, unsafe food processing, and unauthorized industrial practices were identified as the main sources. Experts warn the crisis poses long-term health risks, especially for children and pregnant women.
The Bangladesh Food Safety Authority presented several data points at the meeting. Citing World Health Organization research, officials noted that one in ten children becomes ill at least once a year due to foodborne diseases, and one-third of infected children die. Preliminary results from the 2025 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and UNICEF show that 38% of children aged 12 to 59 months have blood lead levels above safe limits. In Dhaka, the figure rises to 65%, while nearly 8% of pregnant women are also affected. Globally, Bangladesh ranks fourth in the number of children exposed to lead, with over 36 million children carrying dangerously high levels of the toxin.
Lead poisoning impairs children’s intelligence, learning, and behavior. In adults, it increases the risk of heart disease, causing an estimated 140,000 deaths annually. Lead in pregnant women’s blood can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, and other health complications. The economic cost is substantial, about $28.6 billion USD each year, or 6–9% of GDP. Unsafe lead-acid battery recycling, paint, aluminium and ceramic cookware, spices, toys, cosmetics, and fish feed are among the key sources of contamination.
Sohanur Rahman, youth environmental justice advocate and Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, concluded: *“This is not just a statistic or data. It is our children’s lives being poisoned. Millions of futures are at stake. We will continue to hold authorities accountable and push for immediate action until every child is safe.”
Food remains a major exposure pathway. Poultry, fish, dairy products, vegetables, and spices are particularly at risk when produced under unregulated conditions. Large producers generally follow safety standards, but smaller and informal operations frequently evade inspection. The unchecked use of pesticides, antibiotics, and unsafe industrial practices further increases the risks.
Youth-led advocacy groups, including YouthNet Global, have been crucial in drawing attention to the crisis and pressing for policy action. Across Bangladesh, student activists, community organizers, and young environmental justice advocates have mobilized communities through awareness campaigns, workshops, and grassroots initiatives. Their work has informed the public about health risks and pressured authorities to act.
At the Jamuna meeting, Chief Adviser Professor Yunus said, “We are aware of the presence of various contaminants in our food, and we must take the necessary measures to address them.” He added, “Our children, parents, and loved ones are all at risk. For our own sake, we must work together to confront this crisis. After discussing the implementation strategies, we will decide which actions need to be taken immediately, and we will launch urgent initiatives without delay.” Officials also discussed stricter monitoring of food producers, enforcement of pesticide and antibiotic regulations, and coordinated national testing. Senior officials from the ministries of agriculture, health, fisheries, and food, as well as national security and the office of the Chief Adviser, attended.
Experts and youth advocates stress the urgent need for strong policies and law enforcement. Measures include stricter regulation of food, agriculture, and industrial sectors, promoting sustainable recycling, and ensuring safe management of chemical- and heavy metal-dependent industries, such as lead-acid battery production and recycling. Tighter monitoring of industrial and agricultural practices is essential to prevent long-term harm to children and other vulnerable populations.
Youth-led campaigns have outlined specific demands: classify lead as a toxic substance, conduct a national survey of lead levels, shut down unsafe recycling factories, improve testing facilities, amend existing laws, and increase public awareness. These initiatives highlight the importance of community engagement in shaping policy responses and protecting public health.
Bangladesh now faces a pivotal moment. With over 36 million children affected nationwide and Dhaka bearing the heaviest burden, urgent government action, robust law enforcement, public awareness, and active youth advocacy are essential to prevent a generational health crisis.
