Rajshahi, May 16 (V7N) – In preparation for the upcoming Eid al-Adha, the Fisheries and Livestock Advisor of the interim government, Farida Akhtar, announced that mobile veterinary clinics will be established at animal markets across the country. These clinics, operated by the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), will ensure the presence of veterinary surgeons to provide medical care for sacrificial animals.

She made the announcement during a view-exchange meeting with divisional fisheries and livestock officials at the Rajshahi Circuit House conference room on Friday (May 16), according to a report by BSS.

Farida Akhtar emphasized that in addition to animal care, some basic medical services for humans will also be arranged at the markets to protect the health of both traders and buyers. She assured that security and safe travel measures will be in place for all individuals involved in cattle trading.

On the issue of illegal cattle imports from neighboring countries, the advisor said that the Home Ministry has already held discussions and issued instructions to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Naval Police to strictly monitor border areas and prevent entry of foreign livestock, especially from unscrupulous traders during the Eid season.

Addressing a growing concern in the sector, the advisor also criticized the classification of commercial electricity tariffs for small-scale livestock and fisheries farms. “It is unfortunate that these sectors are being billed at commercial rates unlike agriculture,” she said, pointing out the severe impact on small farmers. A Demi-Official (DO) letter has already been sent to the Finance Ministry requesting necessary action to reclassify electricity billing for these sectors.

Prominent attendees at the meeting included:

  • Mohammad Ejaz, Administrator, Dhaka North City Corporation

  • Faruk Wasif, Director General, Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB)

  • Dr. Anand Kumar Adhikari, Director, Rajshahi Divisional Livestock Department

  • Md. Saifuddin Yahia, Director, Rajshahi Divisional Fisheries Department

  • Md. Jahangir Alam, District Fisheries Officer

  • Dr. Md. Atowar Rahman, District Livestock Officer

  • Dr. Mohammad Abdur Rashid, Chief Scientific Officer & Station In-charge, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), Rajshahi Regional Center

The advisor urged all stakeholders to work collectively to ensure a safe, hygienic, and well-regulated animal market environment during the festival.

END/MSS/AJ