Food Security Economic Development

The stresses of a huge population are evident everywhere. Per capita income cannot decently rise because the pie of the national income has to be divided among too many recipients. The ever- growing unemployment woes are getting worse and worse as jobs are found to be scarce compared to the needs of the fast rising popula tion. Similar stresses are noted everywhers in health, housing, nutrition, transportation, educa- tion, etc.

Bangladesh's limited cultivable lands are fast shrinking also from population pressure and diversified use of land apart from agriculture. Thus, the country requires short-mid and long- term strategic planning to attain and maintain comprehensive food security.

Food security is a vital matter and and is another major issue of concern.

Asian economies, unless the basic weakness like population growth is tackled, over depen dence on a fragile agricultural sector will definitely hamper economic growth.

Some of the components that are proving expen- sive for businesses and investors can be made competitive within a short time provided the government takes determined efforts in that direction.

Besides cost components, corruption, political. and labour unrest, problems with power and gas supply lack of policy continuity etc., are other major negative factors that have been discourag ing foreign investors from coming to Bangladesh. The solution to the power and gas problems might be found sooner or later. But if the vice, called corruption, continues, it will take a heavy toll on the economy, investment included, for an indefinite period.