To Whom It May Concern,
The Russia-Ukraine war has been going on for around four months. Though the war is going on between Russia and Ukraine, its effects are not limited to these countries anymore. This war has already affected the whole world, directly or indirectly. The business relations of different countries were affected. Moreover, the war has increased the price of food, fuel and other goods which in turn led to the rising living costs in many countries around the world. This is mainly because of supply constraints disrupted by the ongoing war. Moreover, there is a possibility of a food shortage around the world. By this time, different organizations have predicted that there could be a potential global food crisis.
Of course, it is still uncertain when the war will end. At least, there is no convincing sign of it sooner. Moreover, it is uncertain whether there will be any subsequent war, though such a possibility is lower. Given that the war lasts for longer, even if there is no subsequent war following the current war, the food crisis may be more. But it is undeniable that the potential food crisis will affect many in the world, though not all. Countries experiencing prolonged conflicts including Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, and Yemen were already experiencing food shortages even before the Russia-Ukraine war. The prolonged war will newly put some other countries on the list. But are efforts enough to maintain the supply chain to tackle any potential global food crisis? This does not seem to be the case.
To avert the potential war-driven global food crisis, it is very imperative to maintain a stable supply of foods across countries so that foods remain available to be bought. No doubt, the supply of the food deserves to be kept beyond the war, no matter whether it ends sooner or it takes time and whether foods are exported from the warring countries or not. In addition, it is desired that countries avoid the suspension of the export of foods because of the perceived food crisis or any other reason. Thus, it is desired that the concerned authorities take the matter very seriously so that the potential global food crisis can be prevented.
It is pertinent to note here that this letter does not intend to make any comment on the rightness or wrongness of the war. Yet, there is no doubt that the earlier ending of the war will remarkably reduce the possibility of the potential food crisis in the world. It is, thus, desired that there is a diplomatic solution to the war and that the scope of diplomatic talks remains open.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
