MD Abdulla Haq - Editor 
Although a huge portion of the total population in agricultural Bangladesh is involved in farming, unfortunately, no legal framework has yet been created to provide professional protection to the farmers, who are the main driving force of the country’s economy. From sowing seeds to selling produce in the market, farmers face harassment at every step. As a result, many farmers, burdened by debt and suffering from mental frustration, choose the path of suicide. The recent increase in this trend indicates the fragility of Bangladesh’s agricultural system.
Headlines like “Farmer’s Suicide over Debt” are now commonly seen in newspapers and are not isolated incidents; rather, they are the consequence of a deep crisis in our agricultural system. From the supply of fertilisers, seeds, pesticides, and farm machinery to harvesting, storage, and market sales—in all these areas, the lack of adequate supervision and infrastructure allows intermediaries to create instability. Consequently, farmers cannot maintain control over their own produce. Furthermore, due to the complexity and bureaucratic delays in the banking loan system, farmers are forced to resort to informal loans with high-interest rates. Caught in this web of debt, many lose their assets and are forced to change professions, while others, in ultimate despair, choose self-destruction.
To alleviate the plight of farmers and prevent tragic incidents like suicide, it is imperative to immediately form an Agricultural Commission and enact a Food Security Act (or Right to Food Act). Establishing an Agricultural Commission would create a strong legal and policy framework to ensure the overall welfare and protection of farmers. This commission would play a key role in making necessary recommendations and taking steps to ensure transparency and accessibility in agricultural production, supply chain, price determination, control of middleman exploitation, and institutional loan disbursement. Simultaneously, implementing the Food Security Act will not only ensure food security for the country’s people but also create a legal basis for farmers to receive fair prices for their crops, ensuring their economic security and the right to a dignified livelihood. Only by taking these two legal steps will it be possible to provide professional protection to farmers, freeing them from the burden of debt and despair, and helping them to avoid the path of suicide.
