Staff Correspondent:

The interim government has formed the Bangladesh Dairy Development Board, which will come into effect on Monday, September 1. On the same day, the Bangladesh Dairy Development Board Act, 2023 will also be enforced.

Recently, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock issued two notifications on this matter, later published in the official gazette. One notification stated that under the powers granted by Section 1, Subsection (2) of the Act, September 1 has been fixed as the effective date. The other notification stated that under Section 4, Subsection (1) of the Act, the Bangladesh Dairy Development Board has been established, effective from September 1.

The government enacted the Bangladesh Dairy Development Board Act, 2023 on November 13, 2023, to ensure proper management of milk and dairy production, quality control, and marketing, as part of promoting a balanced diet.

The new board is expected to play a key role in enhancing milk production, processing, quality control, and market management in the country. The government aims to increase local milk production, ensure fair prices for farmers, and provide safe milk to consumers.

Earlier, on April 10, 2023, the Cabinet gave final approval to the draft Act. At that time, Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain stated that the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock had submitted the draft for final approval. With the Act now finalized, a board under the name Bangladesh Dairy Development Board will be established.

Md Mahbub Hossain explained that the board’s main functions will include providing scientific guidance on livestock rearing, veterinary services, and technical support for quality milk production and marketing. The board will also set quality standards for dairy and dairy products, offer advisory services, and guide sector development.

He further stated that any business operating in the dairy sector must register with the board, as operating without registration will be prohibited under the Act. All commercial producers of milk and dairy products will fall under the board’s jurisdiction.

Highlighting the progress in the country’s meat production, Mahbub Hossain noted that similar advancements are now occurring in the dairy sector, necessitating better management and additional support.

The board will have a governing body, a chief executive, and its own fund. The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock will serve as the Chairman, and the governing body will comprise 19 members.