Reduce import reliance by boosting milk production: Tuku

Bangla Press Desk:    Fisheries and Livestock State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku on Monday emphasised the need to increase domestic milk production to fulfill national demand and reduce reliance on imports.

The state minister also highlighted the government’s commitment to expanding dairy production capabilities with the long-term goal of exporting dairy products abroad.

He made these remarks as the chief guest at a discussion organised at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in the capital, marking World Milk Day 2026. This year's theme for the day was "Women Dairy Farmers: The Journey of Development."

"Increasing the participation of women entrepreneurs will accelerate the country’s economic growth," State Minister Tuku said. "When women are empowered, the nation’s economy becomes stronger. The active participation of women in various sectors, including dairy farming, is a highly promising sign for our society."

The state minister further noted that women's contributions to the dairy sector are highly commendable, stressing the need for more training and support to enhance their skills. Emplacing the importance of scaling up government assistance based on the needs of local farmers, he added that when an entrepreneur succeeds, the entire national economy benefits.

Invoking the spirit of collective nation-building, the state minister urged all stakeholders in the livestock sector to work with deep responsibility. "If everyone fulfills their respective duties properly, we can drive the country forward and build a prosperous Bangladesh," he said.Earlier in the day, to mark World Milk Day 2026, State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku distributed milk among underprivileged and helpless people in front of the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) building.

The initiative was organized by the Veterinary Doctors' Association of Bangladesh (VAB). VAB Acting President Dr Abdur Rahim and General Secretary Dr Kabir Uddin Ahmed were present during the distribution.

Presided over by the Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, Shahzaman Khan, the discussion program was attended by the ministry's Additional Secretary, Imam Uddin Kabir, as the special guest. Dr Boyzar Rahman, Director of DLS, presented the keynote paper, while Dr Begum Shamsunnahar Ahmed, also a Director at DLS, delivered the welcome address.

Prior to the discussion, the State Minister distributed milk among madrasa orphans on the DLS premises. Following the distribution, a colorful rally was brought out from the DLS premises, which marched through the Khamarbari intersection before concluding at the KIB complex.