Dhaka: The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has firmly denied media reports suggesting plans to import beef from Brazil at Tk 120 per kilogram. The ministry clarified that no decision has been made to import beef from any country, deeming such reports as false and misleading.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the ministry underscored the potential for confusion among the public due to the spread of unverified information. Citizens have been urged not to be swayed by misinformation. The ministry highlighted the broader significance of the livestock sector beyond meat production, noting its role in women’s empowerment, self-employment, poverty alleviation, and economic growth in Bangladesh.
The statement noted that approximately 1.5 million marginal farmers and over 600,000 seasonal farmers raise cattle for Qurbani, relying on this practice for their livelihoods. The domestic sector has entirely met the demand for sacrificial animals during Eid. The Department of Livestock Services (DLS) actively supports marginal and small-scale farmers through training, resource distribution, market linkage, and value chain development.
Efforts are underway to enhance sustainability and productivity through genetic improvements, balanced feed management, vaccination programs, and expanded veterinary care. The ministry also emphasized the importance of an effective cold chain infrastructure for maintaining meat quality and safety, acknowledging Bangladesh’s current shortcomings in frozen meat storage and transportation systems.
Bangladesh adheres to World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations, including the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) agreements, allowing the imposition of scientifically justified conditions for public health and safety. The ministry highlighted significant local investments, modern technologies, and government policies that have led to self-sufficiency in meat production, with plans already in motion to create disease-free zones for export-oriented development.
Importing meat, the ministry warned, could disrupt the livestock sector’s growth and introduce infectious agents that threaten public and animal health. The government remains committed to advancing the livestock sector, safeguarding local farmers’ interests, and ensuring the availability of safe and quality meat to the public, with no current plans to import meat from abroad.