World Protein Day observed with focus on combating malnutrition

Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council (BPICC) and the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) organised a discussion meeting at the Dhaka Regency Hotel in the capital today (28 February), marking World Protein Day.

Speakers at the event said protein awareness should not be limited to organisational campaigns but must evolve into a national nutrition movement. They emphasised that involving families, schools, colleges, universities and madrasas as centres of nutrition awareness could help eliminate malnutrition and build a stronger Bangladesh.

In his welcome speech, BPICC Treasurer Sirajul Haque said, "Teachers and media professionals have a crucial role in raising awareness about protein consumption."

He noted that poultry protein is comparatively affordable compared to many other sources and stressed that increasing protein intake among children is essential for a healthy and productive generation.

USSEC Bangladesh Market Lead Khabibur Rahman said 30-35% of people in South Asia suffer from malnutrition. Improving nutritional indicators could significantly transform the country's overall development scenario, he added, noting that his organisation is working globally to ensure protein rights.

Tamanna Chowdhury, chief nutritionist of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, said, "Bangladeshi families are still heavily dependent on rice-based diets."

She recommended including at least one reliable source of protein, such as eggs, fish or meat, in the daily balanced diet.

Tamanna also addressed misconceptions surrounding eggs and poultry, saying many people wrongly believe that heart patients should avoid eggs or that egg cholesterol is harmful.

"With proper dietary planning, families can overcome protein deficiency without additional financial burden," she added.