Delwar Kabir, Jhenaidah
Six of the 11 posts at Shailkupa Upazila Livestock Office and Veterinary Hospital in Jhenaidah remain vacant, leaving only five staff members to provide services across the upazila.
The vacant posts include one Veterinary Surgeon (VS), four Deputy Assistant Livestock Officers (Extension) and one Deputy Assistant Livestock Officer (Animal Health).
The shortage has increased the workload of existing staff and put pressure on livestock treatment, vaccination, artificial insemination and disease control services.
Local farmer Khushi Khatun said prompt treatment was essential when livestock fell ill, as delays in controlling disease could cause significant financial losses to farmers. She stressed the need to fill the vacant posts to improve services.
Shailkupa Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Russell Hossain said, “Our office has fewer staff than required. As several posts, particularly those of Veterinary Surgeon and Deputy Assistant Livestock Officer, remain vacant, existing staff have to take on additional duties. Nevertheless, we are doing our best to serve farmers and the general public. Filling the vacant posts would enable us to expand our services.” #EK