Ensuring the welfare of farmers and marginalised communities remains a top government priority, said Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid on Friday.
He emphasised that improving the livelihoods of these groups is central to raising the living standards of the country’s largest population segment.
The Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid, also agriculture, and food Minister, made the remarks during a meeting with officials from fisheries, livestock, agriculture, and food departments at the Cumilla Circuit House conference room.
“People trust that the government will work for the nation’s overall welfare, especially for farmers and the working-class population,” he said.
“Agriculture is a top priority, as nearly 70 percent of Bangladeshis depend directly or indirectly on this sector. Strengthening agriculture will secure livelihoods and build a stronger national economy.”
Amin Ur Rashid urged officials to raise farmers’ awareness on soil health, pH levels, fertiliser efficiency, and modern farming technologies.
He noted that proper soil management could reduce fertiliser use and cut production costs. He stressed the importance of field officers providing direct guidance to farmers to ensure sustainable agricultural practices.
The minister, a long-time farmer himself, highlighted his first-hand experience with the challenges and opportunities in agriculture.
He said that previously, agriculture, fisheries, livestock, and food management were handled separately, causing coordination gaps. “Now these sectors are integrated under a unified framework to ensure better planning and execution,” he added.
Amin Ur Rashid called on officials to maintain continuity in agricultural development, emphasising that long-serving field officers play a key role in sustaining progress.
He also outlined local priorities, including the establishment of Cumilla Division and the prevention of illegal soil extraction from the Gomti River, announcing a “zero tolerance” policy on such activities.
The meeting was presided over by Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Md Reza Hasan and attended by Director Generals Abdur Rouf (Department of Fisheries), Abu Sufian (Department of Livestock), Superintendent of Police Md Anisuzzaman, and senior officials from agriculture, food, fisheries, and livestock departments.
