Government prioritising support to boost meat exports
Bangladesh is intensifying efforts to boost meat exports by enhancing export capacity and policy support, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku said on Sunday.
He addressed journalists after he inspected the Bengal Meat processing plant in Pabna.
He noted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is committed to economic self-reliance for marginalised communities and farmers by earning foreign exchange through the export of agricultural and farm-based goods, while meeting domestic needs.
Tuku highlighted Bangladesh's potential in the livestock sector, stressing the government's strategy to utilise resources to foster economic growth and employment, and to support marginalised groups.
"We are here to inspect Bengal Meat's operations to determine how these resources can be leveraged more effectively, particularly for farmers and marginalised people," he said.
In response to questions from journalists, Tuku said Bengal Meat is producing and processing meat using scientific, safe and hygienic methods, and is already exporting on a limited scale.
He added that the government would review the sector's requirements and identify necessary support to ensure a smooth export process.
During the visit, Tuku inspected Bengal Meat's production, processing, quality control, and preservation methods alongside senior government and company officials.
Prime Minister's Special Assistant Saiyed Bin Abdullah, Pabna-2 MP A K M Selim Reza Habib, Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md. Delwar Hossain, Department of Livestock Services Director General, Md. Shahzaman Khan, DLS Project Director, Dr Md. Abdur Rahim and senior Bengal Meat officials were present during the inspection.
Later, Tuku visited the Baghabarighat Dairy Plant of Bangladesh Milk Producers' Co-operative Union Limited (Milk Vita).
At Milk Vita, he inspected the milk collection, production, quality control, and marketing with senior officials.
Fisheries and Livestock Secretary, Md. Delwar Hossain, Milk Vita Chairman, S M Amir Hamza Shatil, DLS Director General, Md. Shahzaman Khan, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sabrina Sharmin and senior Milk Vita officials accompanied the state minister.
