No import of eggs, meat under any circumstances: Adviser

Dhaka, Feb 10 (V7N) –Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter on Monday said that the import of meat and eggs will not be allowed under any circumstances as there is a possibility to increase the risk of introducing infectious zoonotic diseases into the country.

"Diplomats of different countries and major business entities in Bangladesh often request meat imports to lower beef prices but such imports can destroy the local farms," the adviser said while addressing a views-exchange meeting with district livestock officers in the capital.

Mentioning the Commerce Ministry’s interest in importing meat and eggs, the adviser said: "A letter will soon be sent to the ministry to ensure that the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock is consulted before any such decision is made."

She also emphasized the need for establishing a fisheries and livestock bank, modelled after Krishi Bank, to support farmers.

"If such a bank is established, farmers will have better access to loans, reducing dependency on imports while boosting production in the livestock sector," she added.

Referring to July-August martyrs, the adviser said a department under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs is being set up to support the families of those killed and rehabilitate the injured in the uprising.