Import of pet animal feed

With the improvement of economic condition of the country, the living standard of the people has gone high. Meeting the basic needs, many people now afford to spend money for comfort, luxury and hobbies. Many of them are now seen spending money for these.
There has also been a remarkable change in taste and desire of the people. The middle-income group can now afford to go for holidaying with families within the country and abroad. The country's tourist sites remain packed with Bangladeshi tourists. This was a rare scene even a decade ago.
Having a pet animal as hobby is no more a fashion or luxury, nor even a show-off. Pet animal shops in the capital hum with buyers and sellers. Different species of puppies, kittens, birds, fishes and miniature animals are attractive products in these shops. Not only have the affluent people, the common people also love to have pets in their homes. These remain objects of attraction particularly for the children who have hardly any place for outdoor games and recreation. They can spend happy moments at home with a pet animal.
Now-a-days, people in large number maintain pet animals at home. But maintaining a pet has become difficult as their food is not available in the market. Local food given to them does not suit many of them. As a result, they often fall sick and die untimely causing a tragedy within the family. Many super stores abroad have separate shelves for pet animals' feed. We have many superstores in the city, and people have now become used to shopping there. But these stores do not sell pet animal feed. No more a luxury, it has become imperative that pet animal feed be available in the market.
Immediate arrangements should be made for import of pet animal feed from abroad. Gradually local manufacturers can go for such production to meet the domestic need. This industry can be a source of foreign exchange earnings as there is a high demand of pet animal feed abroad.
Noor Tabassom
Eskaton Garden Road, Dhaka