Every individual of the country consumes 62.58 grams of fish per day while the recommended intake is 60 grams as set by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Narayon Chandra Chanda told parliament yesterday.

“Bangladesh has achieved self-sufficiency in fish production against its demand per day and per person,” he said while replying to a question from treasury bench MP M Abdul Latif.

The minister said as per the report of the Department of Fisheries, 41.34 lakh tonnes of fish was produced in 2016-17, exceeding the year's target of 40.50 lakh tonnes.

To meet the demand of protein, the Department of Livestock Services has set a target of meat production at 71.35 lakh tonnes in 2016-17, the minister said, adding that Bangladesh has achieved self-sufficiency in meat production.

In a scripted answer, the minister also said: “The present government has undertaken various initiatives to meet protein needs and increase export earnings, thus alleviating poverty in the country.”

He also added that the government is monitoring the initiatives at union level on the basis of a list it prepared.

“NO PLAN TO RAISE AGE LIMIT FOR GOVT JOBS”

Public Administration Minister Syed Ashraful Islam yesterday told parliament that the government has no plan to raise the age limit for entering government jobs to 35 years. Currently, the age limit for entering public service is 30 years.

In a scripted answer, the minister said in the past there was session jams in the universities which do not exist at present. That's why students usually pass SSC exam at 16, HSC at 18 and honours degree by 23 to 24. Students also get at least six to seven years time to get a job, even after completing master's degree.

Syed Ashraful also said vacant posts have decreased after the government raised the age limit of retirement to 59 from 57. Under this circumstance, number of job seekers will be increased highly if the government raises the age limit for entering government jobs.