Ministry denies rumors of beef import from Brazil

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has categorically denied reports circulating in the media that Brazil will supply beef to Bangladesh at Tk 120 per kilogram. In an official statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry called the news "baseless and misleading."

According to a press release signed by Information Officer Mamun Hasan, the government has not taken any decision to import beef from any foreign country, including Brazil. “Unverified and inaccurate information like this creates unnecessary confusion among the public,” the ministry said, urging people not to be misled by such reports.

The ministry emphasized that Bangladesh is self-sufficient in meat production, especially during major religious occasions like Eid-ul-Adha. It highlighted the crucial role the livestock sector plays in the country’s economy, particularly in poverty alleviation, women’s empowerment, and self-employment. Approximately 1.5 million small-scale farmers and over 600,000 seasonal farmers raise livestock for sacrifice during Eid, the statement said.

“The demand for sacrificial animals has been met entirely through local production,” the ministry added.

To further strengthen the sector, the Department of Livestock Services is actively working to enhance farmers' skills through training, distribution of farming materials, market linkage, and development of value chains. Ongoing efforts include improving local breeds, ensuring balanced feed, expanding veterinary services, and increasing vaccine coverage.

The ministry also warned that meat is a highly perishable product and requires an efficient cold chain infrastructure to maintain quality and safety. “Bangladesh currently lacks international-standard facilities for the storage and transportation of frozen meat. Any weakness in the cold chain could compromise food safety and pose a threat to public health,” the statement noted.

Although Bangladesh adheres to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, the ministry stressed that, under WTO agreements, countries are allowed to impose scientifically justified restrictions to protect public and animal health, food security, and the environment.

The statement reiterated that any move to import meat could disrupt the progress made in the livestock sector, which has seen substantial investment and technological advancement from both private stakeholders and the government.

Additionally, the ministry warned of the potential risk of introducing foreign diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease, Lumpy Skin Disease, Avian Influenza, and bacterial infections like Salmonella and E. coli through imported meat.

"The government is firmly committed to protecting local farmers, ensuring public health, and supplying safe, high-quality meat to consumers," the press release concluded. "No decision has been made to import meat from abroad at this time."