Dhaka, Broadcasting News Corporation: Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhter said, “We must work to ensure zero tolerance in preventing the misuse and unnecessary use of antibiotics.” She stated that taking necessary steps in accordance with WTO guidelines to ensure food safety in both import and export is crucial.
She made these comments while addressing a program titled ‘Fleming Fund Legacy in Bangladesh: Tackling AMR Through One Health Approach’, organized by the British High Commission in Dhaka at the Westin Hotel on Wednesday (December 3, 2025), as the chief guest.
The Fisheries and Livestock Advisor said, “To ensure Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), especially SDG-2 or hunger eradication, our responsibility is not only limited to food production.” It is also extremely important to ensure the proper control of the use of antibiotics and pesticides in food production and livestock sectors.
Farida Akhter mentioned that taking preventive measures and ensuring food security are the most effective ways to tackle Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). The misuse of antibiotics for inexpensive poultry production is primarily harming the poor population.
She further added that the UK government’s Fleming Fund has been providing significant assistance since 2020 to strengthen AMR surveillance in Bangladesh through the One Health approach. This initiative has increased the capacity of farmers, veterinarians, and field officials through awareness building, which is helping in producing safe food and responsible antimicrobial use.