The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock and Member of the Presidium of Bangladesh Awami League Md. Abdur Rahman, a heroic freedom fighter, said that the loss of lives due to the violence in the country is irreparable and sad. He also said that the Livestock Department has suffered a loss of five to five and a half crore rupees due to violence during the quota reform movement.
He said these things in response to the questions of journalists in the conference room of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock at the Secretariat on Sunday afternoon (July 28). Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Syed Mahmud Belal Haider and Director General of the Department of Livestock Dr. Mohammad Rayazul Haque was present on the occasion.
The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock and Member of the Presidium of Bangladesh Awami League Md. Abdur Rahman said that the vandalism of Savar Upazila Livestock Office and Mobile Veterinary Veterinary Hospital under the Directorate of Livestock has caused an estimated loss of Tk 3 crore 75 lakh. Apart from this, as a result of vandalism in Rangpur district and divisional livestock office, the total loss of five to five and a half crore rupees to the livestock department has been reported by the minister.
The minister said, Savar has been vandalized in such a way that it cannot be believed unless you see it with your own eyes. It seems that war has been fought with these establishments. All the furniture including TV, fridge, AC in Savar’s livestock office and veterinary hospital were demolished. The day after the incident, when two officers went to the spot, they were also physically tortured, he said. He said that a case has been registered in this incident and 14 people have been arrested so far. The minister said that looted goods have been recovered from 4 people.
In response to the question of whether the political identity of the perpetrators was known, the Livestock Minister said, whatever the political identity, they are not students of any school or college. The police confirmed that they were not identified as regular students of the school and college. However, he commented that someone like those who set fire to BTV Bhawan, Metrorail, Padma Setu toll plaza, Disaster Bhawan, Sethu Bhaban and carried out destructive activities could have done such an incident.
When asked about the loss of life in the violence, he said any loss of life is irreparable and tragic. So sad. We demand a judicial inquiry into every death. Our Government and Head of Government Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also sincerely wants this. In response to a question whether the vandalism of the mobile veterinary clinic in Savar will disrupt the provision of services, he said, of course, the service activities will be disrupted. It will be interrupted until it can be restarted. But at the moment it is not in a condition to be launched, he said.
When asked whether the amount of damage to the farmers due to the violence has been assessed, he said that a committee will be formed in this regard. Action will be taken if the committee assesses it and gives a report. However, he said that advice has been given to farmers for transportation and marketing of animal products such as milk, eggs, fish, meat with permission from the concerned Deputy Commissioner. The minister said that the ministry will seriously look into the loss of the farmers.
