Bangladesh is among the worst victims of greenhouse gas emissions

"Bangladesh is one of the worst victims of global greenhouse gas emissions despite contributing only 0.4 per cent," said Farida Akhtar, Hon'ble Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, at a workshop on livestock emissions and climate responsibility.

She was speaking as the Chief Guest at a verification workshop titled "Impact of LDDB Interventions on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Estimation Using IPCC Tier-2 Based Methodology Related to Dairy and Cattle Rearing Activities", held today at the 3D Hall Room of the Krishibid Institution.

Citing broken promises from developed countries on climate finance, the Adviser stressed, "We cannot afford to wait on others. Bangladesh must build its capabilities, and we will ensure our voice is heard internationally—especially in the context of livestock-linked emissions."

Jointly organised by the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and the World Bank, the workshop focused on the scientific estimation of emissions from the livestock sector using the IPCC's Tier 2 methodology. The event was presided over by Dr Md Abu Sufian, Director General of the DLS.

The Adviser highlighted that while methane emissions from livestock are a global concern, Bangladesh's share is negligible. Still, she noted, the country must prepare technologically and through research to manage and reduce emissions in the sector. "Meat is a vital source of protein, but sustainable production and methane reduction must go hand in hand," she said.

She called for enhanced field-level data collection and scientific research to strengthen the country's livestock strategy. "Capacity building among officials will be key, and research must be rigorous if we are to make our case globally," she added.

Among the special guests were Dr Shakila Faruque, Director General of the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute; Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Representative in Bangladesh; and Amadou Ba, Senior Agricultural Economist and World Bank Task Team Leader.

Dr Md Jasim Uddin, Project Director of the Livestock and Dairy Development Project (LDDP), delivered the welcome address, while Dr Md Golam Rabbani, Chief Technical Coordinator, highlighted the project's key achievements and its role in sustainable livestock development.

The workshop drew participation from researchers, university faculty members, and senior livestock officials, underlining Bangladesh's growing commitment to evidence-based climate policy in agriculture.