Dhaka, June 8 -- Bangladesh wastes around 3.5 million tonnes of food every year, State Minister for Food Abdul Bari told Parliament on Monday, citing the Food Waste Index Report 2024 of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Responding to a written question from lawmaker Md Abul Kalam of Cumilla-9, he said the estimate cited in the UNEP report reflects overall food waste in the country.

Abdul Bari said the Ministry of Food has been working relentlessly to ensure the country's food security despite the reported level of food wastage.

"Food grains are procured and stored in government warehouses and silos for distribution through various public programmes. During this entire management process, a certain amount of food grain is...