Fisheries and Livestock State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku have said that joint efforts between government and private entrepreneurs are essential to strengthen and develop the livestock sector.
He made the remarks on Wednesday while speaking as chief guest at a validation workshop on the feasibility study of the “Livestock Service Transformation (LST) project” held at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) auditorium.
The state minister said, “Livestock and biodiversity play a vital role in maintaining environmental balance and ensuring food security.”
He stressed the need for proper care and services for animals. He added that the government is giving high priority to the livestock sector and is taking effective initiatives for its development.
Salauddin Tuku further said that proper management of the sector requires disease diagnosis facilities, improved clinical services and sufficient manpower. He also said that well-planned projects and adequate budget allocation are crucial to modernise and operate the sector effectively.
The minister said late President Ziaur Rahman played an important role in achieving food self-sufficiency in the country. He added that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia also gave importance to the sector. He further said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is currently working sincerely to advance the livestock sector.
He expressed optimism that through collective efforts and sincerity, the livestock sector will play a significant role in the national economy and help build a prosperous Bangladesh.
Director General of the Department of Livestock, Md Shahzaman Khan, chaired the session. Special guest Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Md Delwar Hossain, said the livestock sector must be turned into an export-oriented industry. He stressed the need to expand project scope and investment.
He also said, “The sector holds vast potential for nutrition security, employment generation and foreign exchange earnings.”
He called for prioritising and planning the sector more effectively.
Project Team Leader of LST project Md Mushfiqur Rahman presented the main paper. Project Director Rezaul Haque Khan delivered a welcome speech. Senior officials from the ministry and department were present at the workshop.
