, Jan. 21 -- Industry stakeholders and experts have expressed deep concern over the government's move to ban the import of day-old chicks (DOC) for commercial poultry farming.

In a statement, they warn that the decision, outlined in the draft "National Poultry Development Policy-2026," could jeopardize the country's Tk60,000 crore poultry industry, threaten food security, and drive up prices for general consumers.

The draft policy, published by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock on January 13, states in section 5.8.1.2 that imports of day-old chicks for commercial farming will be prohibited. Only "Grandparent Stock" and, in specific cases of extreme shortage, "Parent Stock" may be imported.

While the Department of Livestock Servic...