Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter. File Photo

DHAKA, Nov 24, 2025 (BSS) - Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today said that Bangladesh will observe National Livestock Week 2025 for the first time from Wednesday under the theme "Local Breeds, Modern Technology: Advancing Livestock Development" (Deshio Jat, Adhunik Prajukkti: Prani Sompodey Hobe Unnoti).

Speaking at a press briefing at the ministry, she said the week-long programme will run from November 26 to December 2 at central, district, and upazila levels.

"The observance will feature national livestock awards, awareness campaigns, rallies, discussions, seminars, workshops, and exhibitions," she added.

As per the National Livestock Award Policy, 15 awards will be presented in five categories in recognition of exceptional contributions to the sector, the adviser said.

Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to the first, second and third place-recipients in each category, she added.

Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud will hand over the awards attending the opening ceremony as chief guest.
 
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will also deliver a congratulatory message via video.

Highlighting the importance of the sector, Adviser Farida Akhter said livestock plays a significant role in the country's socio-economic progress. 

The sector contributes 1.81 percent to GDP, records a GDP growth rate of 3.19 percent and accounts for 16.58 percent of agricultural GDP, with an estimated economic value of Tk 91,036 crore, she added.

She noted that the poultry industry has become the country's second-largest employment-generating sector, attracting more than Tk 40,000 crore in private investment. 

Bangladesh currently has 85,227 registered commercial poultry farms and around 1, 91,000 small-scale farms, she said, adding that daily egg production now stands at 6.68 crore, marking a notable achievement for the industry.

The adviser also highlighted significant government efforts in disease control. 

She said 17 lakh doses of the Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) vaccine have been administered while zoning activities are underway to eradicate Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in specific regions and nearly six crore doses of the PPR vaccine have been administered to goats.