Revive research activities at livestock research institute

It may be unknown to many that Bangladesh has a Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), as research on livestock in the country is almost nonexistent. Despite the fact that fisheries and livestock are significant sectors of the country's economy, there has been little to no positive news about recent research in livestock development. In fact, the only news that has surfaced is rather disappointing.

A report published on Wednesday (February 26) reveals that the authorities are more focused on their personal interests, leaving the research activities in a state of stagnation. Undoubtedly, this is deeply concerning. Like many other research institutes in Bangladesh, the Livestock Research Institute has fallen victim to politics and the interference of authorities.

The information gathered reveals that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock had assigned 24 officials from the ministry and department to care for his mother, who had been infected with the virus. This incident created quite a stir at the time. During this period, a scientific officer of the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) managed to secure the position of Deputy Project Director of the Buffalo Research and Development Project, thanks to the blessings of the secretary, while taking care of the secretary’s mother.

This officer, who had received a ‘reward’ during the tenure of the Awami League government, switched allegiance after the political shift, adopting a stance aligned with the BNP. As a result, he was handsomely rewarded. He is now the Farm Supervisor at the research farm. While senior officials do not have the privilege of a permanent car, junior officer Ashadul drives around in one. His reputation for reckless behavior towards officers and staff is also linked to his history of benefiting from the deposed Awami League government.

Subordinate officials are maneuvering to please their superiors. Over time, these subordinates, busy in flattery, are changing political allegiances and taking advantage of whatever opportunities they can find. They are embarking on unnecessary foreign trips and controlling promotions, tenders, and other matters. While they are successfully securing their own interests, the research activities of the research institute have essentially become stagnant. This has led to a chaotic situation at the grassroots level.

We have become accustomed to receiving such bad news. The dysfunction of government research institutes has become so common that it no longer surprises us. But how much longer can we endure this? Despite decades of independence, no sector of our research has advanced. After the mass uprising, we had hoped that a new Bangladesh would emerge, that our government institutions would be reformed. But there are no signs of that happening. Instead, it seems that everyone is merely returning to their old positions, changing only their outward appearance.

If this continues, not just a few specific research institutes, but the entire country will eventually become dysfunctional. We must act immediately to prevent the country from falling into such stagnation. Every government research institute must be revitalized. We urge the current government to focus on this issue right now. The misuse of authority by the officials must stop, and the research activities at the Livestock Research Institute should be resumed immediately.