Bangladesh’s demand for beef has attracted interest from foreign countries looking to export meat. However, priority will be given to domestic producers involved in livestock farming rather than relying on imports, stated Farida Akhtar, Advisor to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.

During an annual research review workshop at the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) in Savar, Akhtar addressed the importance of supporting local producers to meet the market demand. She highlighted that international exporters are keen to supply meat to Bangladesh due to the high demand and relatively elevated prices of beef in the local market. Many countries, leveraging industrial farming and government subsidies, find Bangladesh a potential market for their exports.

Akhtar stressed that while proposals for meat imports have been received and some Bangladeshi importers are eager, the government’s focus remains on empowering local farmers and ensuring domestic production sustainability. She emphasized that by addressing the needs of district-level officials and farmers, it is possible to reduce dependency on imports and meet the nation’s demand for animal protein efficiently.

The workshop, chaired by BLRI Director General Dr. Shakila Faruq, was attended by notable figures, including Professor Dr. A.K. Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan, Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Additional Secretary of the Ministry A.T.M. Mostafa Kamal, and Director General of the Livestock Department Dr. Mohammad Reyazul Haque. Over the two-day event, 35 research papers were presented across six sessions, with participation from government officials, university faculty, researchers, and livestock experts.

The discussions focused on strategies to bridge the gap in animal protein supply through research-driven solutions and empowering local livestock producers. Akhtar concluded that addressing the needs of the local farming community could ensure a sustainable and affordable supply of meat, reducing reliance on imports.