Livestock Dept counts Tk 55m loss

The Department of Livestock has sustained damage estimated between Tk 50 million and Tk 55 million as a result of the nationwide violence over the quota-reform protests, Fisheries and Livestock Minister M Abdur Rahman said on Sunday.
During the protests, the Savar upazila livestock office and a mobile veterinary hospital came under attack, resulting in a loss amounting to nearly Tk 37.5 million, the minister told reporters at the Secretariat, reports UNB.
Refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, and other valuables were vandalised during the attacks, he added.
Besides, two officials who visited the Savar upazila livestock office two days after the attack were physically assaulted, the minister pointed out.
A case has been filed in this regard, and 14 individuals have subsequently been arrested. Looted valuables have been recovered from four of the arrestees, he said.
Vandalism was also reported in Rangpur district and divisional livestock offices.
Responding to a question about the attackers' identity, the minister said, "Regardless of their political affiliation, they are not students of any schools or colleges. Those who attacked BTV Bhaban, the Metro Rail, toll plaza, Disaster Management Bhaban, and Setu Bhaban might have carried out these attacks."
Regarding the losses suffered by farmers due to the violence, the minister said a committee would be formed to investigate the incidents, and actions would be taken based on the findings of the committee's report.