Influential man organizes ‘Hunger Games’ in Bangladesh

Problems with The Hunger Games. But unlike the Francis Lawrence films, only food prizes are awarded, and even the losers are entitled to sugar, cooking oil, lentils or rice. Pleasant rewards for residents of the small village of Chapra in northwestern Bangladesh, many of whom live in poverty, organizers explain. Food allows families to survive for several days.

The games are like fairground games where everyone has fun. “Look at her funny reaction when she plays,” emphasizes Omar concept creator Sunny Somrat in a video recently posted on Instagram.

A person who positions himself as a social media influencer came up with the idea of ​​creating an ‘SS Food Challenge’ in 2022. At that time, rising prices in the country, caused in particular by the war in Ukraine, were especially difficult for the population.

System funded by video clicks

Bangladesh’s currency has lost nearly 20% of its value against the dollar, making imports much more expensive. The government had to introduce food subsidies to regulate food prices.

Faced with the difficulties of the population, Omar Sunny Somrat decided to adapt the competitions he had already organized in the villages for children. Instead of winning material prizes, he offered food to the residents. The videos, then posted on social media, allowed him to generate income through clicks and monetization.

The content creator tells CNN he has more than 4 million subscribers on YouTube and 600,000 on Instagram, and earns between $35,000 and $45,000 a month (€32,000 and €42,000). The turnover he uses to employ his 25-strong team, fund the games they organize and the prizes he wins.