Government clarifies no plan to import beef from brazil

Claims that "Brazil will supply beef to Bangladesh at Tk120 per kg" are circulating in the media and online.

The government has clarified that no decision has been made to import beef from any country. The public is urged not to be misled by such unverified claims.

The livestock sector in Bangladesh goes beyond meat production, contributing to women's empowerment, self-employment, poverty reduction, and overall economic growth. Approximately 1.5 million marginal and over 600,000 seasonal farmers rely on livestock, particularly during Eid al-Adha. Bangladesh meets its entire demand for sacrificial animals domestically. The Department of Livestock provides training, production inputs, market connectivity, and value chain development to support farmers. Ongoing efforts focus on sustainable production through the development of indigenous breeds, balanced feed, vaccinations, and expanded veterinary services.

Meat is a highly perishable product that requires a robust cold chain system, from processing to consumption, to ensure quality and safety. Bangladesh currently lacks international-standard frozen meat storage and transportation infrastructure, and any weak cold chain poses significant risks to food safety and public health.

Although Bangladesh adheres to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, under its Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) agreements, countries may impose scientifically justified restrictions to protect public health, food safety, animal health, and the environment. With significant investment from farmers and entrepreneurs, alongside modern technology and government policy support, Bangladesh has already achieved self-sufficiency in meat production. The government has also initiated efforts to establish disease-free zones to make the sector export-oriented.

In this context, meat imports would hinder the growth of the domestic livestock industry and expose the country to serious threats from diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), PPR, Anthrax, BSE, avian influenza, tuberculosis, brucellosis, and bacterial infections, including Salmonella and E. coli.

The government remains committed to protecting domestic farmers, strengthening the livestock sector, and ensuring safe, high-quality meat for the people. The key message to all is clear: No decision has been made to import beef from abroad.