BD eyes meat exports: Minister

Bangladesh has achieved self-sufficiency in sacrificial animal production, fully meeting the domestic demand for the just concluded Eid-ul-Azha festival, leaving exportable surplus, said State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku.

Speaking at a press briefing on 'Eid-ul-Azha 2026 livestock management' on Thursday he described this achievement as a major milestone for the country's livestock sector and rural economy. On the occasion of this year's Eid, a total of 9.37 million (mn) animals were sacrificed, leaving about 2.97mn animals unsold, underscoring the country's growing livestock production capacity and reduced reliance on imports, he pointed out.

"Now the government aims at expanding into international markets by boosting exports of meat and livestock products," he added.

According to sources at the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), the estimated demand for sacrificial animals this year stood at 10.11mn. In contrast, the country's farmers and livestock producers prepared more than 12.36mn animals for the festival, ensuring an ample supply.