Dhaka: Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter announced that Bangladesh will observe National Livestock Week 2025 for the first time starting Wednesday. The event will be held under the theme "Local Breeds, Modern Technology: Advancing Livestock Development" (Deshio Jat, Adhunik Prajukkti: Prani Sompodey Hobe Unnoti).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the week-long celebration will take place from November 26 to December 2, encompassing activities at central, district, and upazila levels. The program will include national livestock awards, awareness campaigns, rallies, discussions, seminars, workshops, and exhibitions. The National Livestock Award Policy will recognize 15 individuals and institutions with awards across five categories for their exceptional contributions to the sector. Recipients will receive gold, silver, and bronze medals for first, second, and third places, respectively.
Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud will present the awards at the opening ceremony, serving as the chief guest. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to deliver a congratulatory message via video.
Adviser Farida Akhter emphasized the sector's critical role in Bangladesh's socio-economic advancement, citing its 1.81 percent contribution to GDP and a GDP growth rate of 3.19 percent. The sector also accounts for 16.58 percent of agricultural GDP, with an economic value estimated at Tk 91,036 crore. The poultry industry, in particular, has emerged as the second-largest employment-generating sector, attracting over Tk 40,000 crore in private investment. Bangladesh boasts 85,227 registered commercial poultry farms and approximately 1,91,000 small-scale farms, with daily egg production reaching 6.68 crore.
Efforts by the government in disease control were also underscored by the adviser. She reported the administration of 17 lakh doses of the Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) vaccine and ongoing zoning activities to eliminate Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in certain regions. Additionally, nearly six crore doses of the PPR vaccine have been administered to goats, highlighting proactive measures in livestock health management.