No import of beef for now: MoFL

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MoFL) has dismissed reports on beef import from Brazil or any other country, saying that no such decision has been made in this regard.

In a statement on Tuesday, it said such false and unverified reports are creating confusion among the public who are requested not to be misled by this type of rumour.

Recently, some media outlets and social media platforms have reported that "Brazil will supply beef to Bangladesh at Tk 120 a kg."

The livestock sector in Bangladesh not only ensures meat production but also contributes to women's empowerment, self-employment, poverty reduction, and overall economic growth, says the ministry. Around 1.5 million small farmers and 0.6 million seasonal farmers rear cattle for sale during Eid ul-Adha, which can fully meet the national demand for sacrificial animals.

The Department of Livestock continues to support small farmers with training, inputs, market linkages, and value chain development. It is also working on breed improvement, balanced feed management, vaccine supply, and veterinary services to make production more sustainable and advanced.

The ministry says meat is a highly perishable product that requires a strong cold chain system from processing to consumers to ensure quality and safety. Bangladesh does not yet have sufficient international-standard infrastructure for frozen meat storage and transport. Weakness in this area could harm meat quality and pose risks to food safety and public health.

The ministry further says that Bangladesh follows World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules. However, under WTO agreements on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), any country can impose scientific and reasonable conditions to protect public health, food safety, animal health, and the environment.

Thanks to significant investments by local farmers and entrepreneurs, the adoption of modern technology, and government support, Bangladesh has already achieved self-sufficiency in meat production, says the ministry. The ministry has also started establishing disease-free zones with the aim of transforming the sector into an export-oriented industry.

At this stage, import of meat from abroad would harm the progress of the livestock sector. It could also bring in dangerous diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), PPR, anthrax, BSE, avian influenza, tuberculosis, brucellosis, as well as harmful bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, posing serious threats to both human and animal health.

The government is fully committed to developing the livestock sector, protecting local farmers, and ensuring safe and high-quality meat for the people. According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh, average beef prices have remained almost static at Tk 750-800 a kg over the last one year in Dhaka.

tonmoy.wardad@gmail.com