১৯৪৩ সালের বাংলার দুর্ভিক্ষ: আর্থ-সামাজিক সংকট

The Bengal Famine of 1943: Socio-Economic Crisis

Abstract

The Bengal Famine of 1943 was a devastating man-made disaster that resulted in millions of deaths due to starvation, disease, and social upheaval. Triggered by British colonial policies, World War II disruptions, and a series of natural calamities, the famine disproportionately affected the rural population, particularly agricultural laborers and sharecroppers. The British government’s failure to provide adequate food relief and the hoarding of rice by traders exacerbated the crisis. The famine highlighted the vulnerability of Bengal’s economy, which had been suffering from rapid population growth and inadequate agricultural development. Despite external aid offers, the British administration’s negligence and prioritization of military needs over humanitarian concerns contributed to the severity of the disaster.