Govt missteps fuelled injured protesters’ anger: Adviser Farida Akhtar

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar acknowledged today that government shortcomings have contributed to frustrations among injured protesters in the anti-discrimination student movement.
She said that the government is committed to addressing the demands of the injured demonstrators, some of whom have left their hospital beds to protest.
“The demands of those injured in the anti-discrimination movement are justified, and the government is determined to meet them,” the adviser told reporters at an event at the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute in Savar.
She also said that she spoke with the injured overnight, and noted that compensation delays due to bureaucratic hurdles are being resolved.
“I spoke with the injured overnight. Many of the injured have not yet received compensation due to various bureaucratic complications. It is being arranged quickly,” she added.
The adviser emphasised that the current compensation amount of Tk 1 lakh is insufficient for those still in treatment and added that the government is working on a plan to support the injured, many of whom are the primary earners for their families.
“These individuals’ sacrifices contributed to establishing a people’s government,” she said.
“We advisers will meet with them again this afternoon to find a fair solution.”
The adviser also addressed concerns over the recent decision to import eggs, acknowledging that while the move aims to stabilise market prices, it may negatively impact local small-scale farmers.
She clarified that the government has approved the import of 4 crore eggs for a single day to manage prices but is aware of the potential impact on domestic producers.
The event was attended by Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute Director General Shakila Farooq and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Shahina Ferdowsi, among others.