Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Reaffirms Commitment to Domestic Farmers and Meat Self-Sufficiency

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has categorically denied recent media reports suggesting that beef would be imported from Brazil at Tk 120 per kilogram. In a statement issued on August 26, the ministry described such claims as “false, misleading, and baseless.”

Officials highlighted that Bangladesh is already self-sufficient in meat production, with approximately 1.5 million marginal farmers and over 600,000 seasonal farmers engaged in raising cattle for Qurbani annually. The demand for sacrificial animals, according to the ministry, has consistently been met through domestic sources without reliance on imports.

The ministry further emphasized that the livestock sector plays a crucial role in women’s empowerment, self-employment, and poverty alleviation. It warned that any decision to import meat could severely disrupt local development efforts and potentially introduce dangerous diseases, including Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), anthrax, and avian influenza.

The statement also noted that Bangladesh currently lacks international-standard cold chain infrastructure needed to safely import and preserve meat. In line with World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements, the country reserves the right to impose conditions to safeguard public health, food security, and the environment.

Reaffirming its commitment to local farmers, the ministry said it is working to strengthen the livestock sector through training programs, vaccination initiatives, and genetic improvements. It also outlined plans to make the sector export-oriented by developing disease-free zones.

“No decision has been made to import meat from abroad,” the ministry concluded.