Rajshahi: Speakers at a ceremony here today unanimously mentioned that the country has attained significant success in the livestock sector, meeting up protein demands of people. At present, the country is self-reliant in the livestock sector as rearing and fattening of domestic animals have become popular in both rural and urban areas.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, government officials and experts made the observation while addressing the opening ceremony of National Livestock Week-2025 with the theme "Local Breeds, Modern Technology: Advancing the Livestock Sector". The district administration and the district livestock office jointly organized the festival at the Botanical Garden and Zoo Parking Area in the city.
Commissioner of Rajshahi division, Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid, addressed the meeting as chief guest, while Deputy Commissioner Afia Akhter was in the chair. Other notable speakers included Divisional Director of Department of Livestock Dr Ananda Kumar Adhikery, Additional Deputy Inspector General of Police Nawraj Hassan Talukder, Additional Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Nazmul Hassan, and Superintendent of Police Farzana Islam.
While addressing, Commissioner Bazlur Rashid said the primary aims and objectives of the National Livestock Week 2025 are to promote the expansion of modern livestock technologies, ensure safe food production, and encourage entrepreneurship within the sector. Highlighting the sector's economic importance, he said livestock plays a significant role in Bangladesh's socio-economic development. He further noted that the poultry industry is currently the second-largest employment-generating sector in the country.
Dr Bazlur Rashid urged all concerned to put in their best efforts to make the event a total success so that the people engaged in the sector can derive total benefits from it. Various entrepreneurs and organizations are showcasing their products and innovations related to the livestock sector in 25 stalls at the fair.
Earlier, the officials and farmers brought out a colourful rally from the premises of Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Office and paraded on some of the city streets before ending at the fair venue.