Agri minister says will not take salary, allowances

Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock and Food Minister Mohammad Amin-ur Rashid has announced that he will not draw any government salary or allowances during his tenure.

“I want to make one thing clear – since becoming a minister, I have been using my own car and fuel purchased with my own money. I do not use a government vehicle, nor do I take fuel expenses. As long as I remain a minister, I will not use a government car. In addition, I will not take any government salary or allowances,” he said.He made the remarks while speaking at a views-exchange meeting with journalists at the Cumilla Circuit House on Saturday afternoon.

The minister also said he had established the first export-oriented factory in Cumilla, adding that with people’s encouragement, the district has witnessed a kind of industrial revolution, with many factories being set up.

“This progress will continue,” he said.

Referring to agricultural development, Amin-ur Rashid said, “Dr Akhtar Hamid Khan first introduced modern agricultural practices in the Cumilla region through irrigation projects. The ‘Cumilla Model’ innovated by him is still appreciated at home and abroad.”

“I am also a farmer. I know how to cultivate paddy. I will work on a priority basis for agricultural development in Cumilla and across the country,” he added.

The minister said Cumilla has always been a pioneer in agriculture. Initiatives will be taken to construct cold storage facilities to enhance crop preservation for farmers in the district.

Highlighting the district’s heritage, he said efforts would be made to uphold Cumilla’s reputation as the city of tanks and banks.

Among others, District Commissioner Md Reza Hasan, Additional Superintendent of Police Saiful Malik, Cumilla City BNP General Secretary Yusuf Molla Tipu, Adarsha Sadar Upazila BNP President Rezaul Kaiyum and leaders of BNP and its associate bodies were present at the meeting.