Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has said that although ensuring people's food and nutrition security is the government's responsibility, the government cannot do it effectively alone. Public and private sectors must coordinate on animal health and nutrition security, she said.

The sixth International Expo-2026 of the Animal Health Companies Association of Bangladesh (AHCAB) opened at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the capital under the slogan "Healthy animals, prosperous nation". The adviser spoke as chief guest at the opening ceremony on Thursday (8 January).

The adviser said entrepreneurs are not only investing but also taking steps to advance the livestock sector. Animal health cannot be ignored if human health is to be protected. For any animal protein, whether fish, cattle or poultry, the basic condition is ensuring the animals' wellbeing. She stressed the importance of the One Health concept, saying sustainable health security can be achieved only through the combined health of people, animals and the environment.

She said the aim must be not just fattening animals but making sure the food they eat is safe and nutritious. Where the raw materials for animal and fish feed come from, and their quality, must be monitored.

She also said coordination between agriculture and the livestock and fisheries sectors must be strengthened, and an integrated plan made to produce feed ingredients such as maize and soybean at home rather than relying on imports.

Noting the lack of specific policy on drug production and imports, the adviser said existing laws cannot fully meet the needs of the animal health sector, and assured that the necessary reforms would be made as a priority.

Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber, secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, attended as special guest. He said the initiatives entrepreneurs have taken on animal health are very important, as protecting animal health also protects human health. Other countries have separate drug laws and authorities for animal and human health, and work is under way on a separate law for animal health in Bangladesh too. A draft has already been prepared and will soon be presented for approval as an ordinance during this government's tenure.

Dr Md Abu Sufian, director general of the Department of Livestock Services, attended as guest of honour. AHCAB president Sayem Ul Hoque presided, and the organisation's secretary Md Anwar Hossain and others were present.

The organisers said 14 countries are taking part in this year's expo. Aimed at creating new opportunities for international trade, technology exchange and investment in animal health and fisheries, the fair has 128 foreign stalls and 65 international exhibitors, while leading local companies are showcasing their modern products, technology and services.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.