Government Initiatives for Fisheries and Livestock Sector
State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock, Sultan Salauddin Tuku, emphasized the importance of the fisheries and livestock sector during a recent event. He stated that these sectors are now being integrated into the ‘Farmer Card’ program, ensuring that farmers in these areas will receive benefits similar to those enjoyed by crop farmers.
The remarks were made while Tuku served as the chief guest at a program celebrating World Veterinary Day 2026 at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) auditorium in Dhaka. This year’s theme was “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health,” highlighting the critical role of veterinary professionals in maintaining food safety and public health.
Tuku highlighted the potential of the livestock sector in boosting the country’s economy. He noted that the government is prioritizing the development of this sector, which is essential for achieving self-sufficiency in food and increasing exports. “There is no alternative to this sector for attaining self-sufficiency in food and increasing exports,” he said.
Focusing on the importance of veterinarians in ensuring safe food production, Tuku pointed out that food security has become a global concern. He acknowledged the significant role that veterinarians play in protecting public health through their work in safe food production. “Awareness about food safety has increased over time, and so has interest in veterinary education and the profession in the country,” he added.
He also noted that the veterinary profession, once overlooked, is now gaining more recognition. “Although the veterinary profession was once not given much importance, people’s interest in this sector has now increased greatly,” Tuku said.
Describing animal healthcare as a challenging task, Tuku emphasized that animals cannot express their problems, making treatment and care difficult. He praised the professionals working in the sector for their high level of skill and competence.
Tuku stressed the need for collaborative efforts to address the challenges in the animal husbandry sector. “Animal husbandry and veterinary science are currently going through a complex and challenging situation. We will find effective solutions through mutual discussion and coordination. If we work together, all problems can be solved and everyone will benefit equally,” he said.
The event, chaired by President of the Veterinary Association of Bangladesh (VAB), Prof Dr Md Mahbub Alam, was also attended by Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Delwar Hossain and Director General (In-Charge) of the Department of Livestock Services, Agriculturist Md Shahzaman Khan.
Senior officials from the ministry and veterinarians from across the country participated in the event.
Earlier, the state minister joined a colorful rally and inaugural activities organized on the occasion of World Veterinary Day, according to a PID handout.
Key Points Discussed
- Integration into Farmer Card Program: The fisheries and livestock sectors are being brought under the ‘Farmer Card’ program.
- Economic Importance: The livestock sector plays a vital role in strengthening the country’s economy.
- Food Security: Veterinarians are crucial in ensuring safe food production and protecting public health.
- Rising Interest: There is growing interest in veterinary education and the profession in the country.
- Challenges in Animal Healthcare: Treating animals is challenging due to their inability to communicate their issues.
- Collaborative Solutions: Effective solutions to challenges in animal husbandry require discussion and coordination among stakeholders.
Conclusion
The event underscored the significance of the veterinary profession in safeguarding both animal and human health. With the government’s focus on developing the fisheries and livestock sectors, there is hope for improved food security and economic growth. The collaboration between various stakeholders is essential to overcoming the challenges faced by the sector.
