Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter. -File Photo

DHAKA, Feb 10, 2025 (BSS) - Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today said the government does not want to import meat or eggs under any circumstances as such imports could spillover infectious Zoonotic diseases across the country. 

“We do not want to import meat or eggs under any circumstances. There are high possibilities of outbreak of infectious Zoonotic diseases in the country through such kind of animal meat consumption,” she said.

The adviser was addressing a view exchange meeting with district livestock officers at the auditorium of Department of Livestock Services this morning, said a press release here.

Farida said various foreign diplomats and major business entities often propose beef imports to lower the prices in local markets, but such measures would lead to the destruction of local farms.

The Commerce ministry sometimes considers importing meat and eggs, she said adding, “The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock will soon send an official letter to the commerce ministry requesting it to consult before making any such decisions.”

The adviser also underscored the need for a bank named ‘Fisheries and Livestock Bank’ like Agricultural Bank, to support farmers with loan facilities. “Such an initiative would reduce import dependency while boosting domestic production in the fisheries and livestock sector,” she added.

She also said, “A department is being formed under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to ensure aid to the families of those killed in the July-August mass uprising and rehabilitate the injured.”  

Moreover, the advisor called for increased vaccination coverage to prevent Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in cattle and eradicate Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) disease.

Chaired by Livestock Services Director General Dr. Md. Abu Sufian, the discussion was also attended by divisional directors and livestock officers from all 64 districts across the country.