Antibiotic misuse puts future generations at risk, warns Farida Akhter
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Fisheries and Livestock, Farida Akhter, has warned that the uncontrolled use of antibiotics is creating a grave crisis across Bangladesh's health, livestock, fisheries, and agriculture sectors.
She said that without preventive practices, a 'One Health' approach, and strong regulatory measures, tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) will not be possible.
She made the remarks on Tuesday at the Multi-Sectoral One Health AMR Seminar, held at The Westin Dhaka to mark World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week 2025.
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"The recent 5.7 magnitude earthquake may have scared the public, but antibiotic misuse is a far greater and more lasting threat," Farida Akhter said, citing data showing Bangladesh's antibiotic resistance rate has reached 94 per cent. She noted that 76.9 per cent of poultry farms use antibiotics, directly harming human and environmental health.
She said rural communities still believe "a good doctor gives injections and antibiotics", and that even eleven-month-old children are becoming resistant. "Unsafe food means unsafe health," she added, urging public demand for antibiotic-free chicken and fish.
The adviser emphasised that awareness must go beyond a single week and continue year-round through schools, campaigns, and media engagement.
The seminar was presided over by Dr Md Abu Sufian, Director-General of the Department of Livestock Services. Special guests included Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Country Representative in Bangladesh; Ahmed Jamshed Mohammad, WHO Country Representative; and Dr Hirofumi Kugita, Regional Representative of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
Technical papers were presented by experts from the Livestock, Health, and Fisheries Departments on the current AMR situation across sectors.
