In 1975, the Bangladesh National Nutrition Council (BNNC) was established by order of the President of Bangladesh. Headed by the Prime Minister, the Council was constituted by concerned ministers, secretaries, senior administrators, policy makers, nutrition experts, journalists, heads of relevant organizations, and divisional women representatives. The management of the council was vested in an Executive Committee (EC), headed by the Minister for Health and Family Welfare. Secretaries of different ministries and heads of different agencies represent the other EC members. The BNNC also has a Standing Technical Committee consisting of technical experts on nutrition. The objectives of the BNNC are the formulation and updating of the National Food and Nutrition Policy; approval of nutrition programs for different ministries and institutes; and monitoring and evaluation of nutrition research programs. Other functions include- establishment of a nutrition information and documentation centre, preparation of a national plan for nutrition, organizing national and international conferences and training courses; publishing and disseminating technical and general information on nutrition; and providing financial support for nutrition related research projects. Although BNNC has been tasked with important responsibilities for nutrition in the country, it has unfortunately not been effective during the past decade.