Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter speaking in a function on Dean's Award and Orientation-2024 held at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University in the capital. Photo: PID

DHAKA, June 29, 2025 (BSS) - Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today emphasized the crucial role of animal health in ensuring human nutrition and national food security.

Speaking as the chief guest at the Dean's Award and Orientation-2024 program, organized by the Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University this afternoon, the adviser said the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock is playing a vital role in meeting the country's animal protein needs.

"Cattle and poultry often suffer from various diseases. If their health is not protected, human food security will also be at risk," she warned, adding that the consumption of meat from affected animals poses serious health risks to humans.
 
"There is no room for compromise with animal health," she said.

She highlighted the growing concern of zoonotic diseases-those transmitted from animals to humans, saying, "It is no longer appropriate to view animal and human health separately. Animal health must be given greater priority," she said.

She also pointed out the close relationship between veterinary science and animal science, stating that the government is actively considering a unified approach to both disciplines.

"Animal health and production go hand in hand. Integrating these areas will strengthen our livestock sector," she added.

Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Md Abdul Latif, Dhaka Agricultural University Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Md Belal Hossain, Department of Livestock Services (DLS) Director General Dr Md Abu Sufian and Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) Director General Dr Shaikha Farzana were present as special guests, among others, on the occasion. 

Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine Professor of the university Dr Md Jahangir Alam presided over it.