Public-Private Initiatives Crucial for Livestock Development: State Minister

Bangla Press Desk:  State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku on Wednesday emphasised that the livestock sector can be further enriched through the combined efforts of the government and private entrepreneurs.

The State Minister made these remarks while addressing as the chief guest at a validation workshop titled “Feasibility Study of the Livestock Service Transformation (LST) Project,” held at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) auditorium in the capital.

“The importance of livestock and biodiversity is immense in maintaining environmental balance and ensuring food security for the people. Therefore, proper care and services for animals must be ensured,” Tuku said. He noted that the government is prioritising the development of this sector with effective initiatives.

He further highlighted that modern management of the sector requires accurate disease diagnosis, advanced clinical facilities, and adequate manpower. "To run this sector effectively, the adoption of necessary projects and appropriate budget allocation are essential," he added.

Recalling the history of the sector, the State Minister mentioned that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman played a pivotal role in achieving food self-sufficiency. He noted that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia also prioritized this sector, and currently, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working sincerely to further advance the livestock sector.

He expressed optimism that through collective effort and sincerity, the livestock sector would contribute significantly to the national economy and help build a prosperous Bangladesh.

The workshop was presided over by the Director General of the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Md Shahzaman Khan, while Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Md Delwar Hossain, spoke as the special guest.

 The Secretary stressed the need to transform livestock into an export-oriented sector. "Expanding the scope of projects and increasing investment is vital. This sector has immense potential for ensuring nutritional security, creating employment, and earning foreign exchange," he said.

The keynote paper was presented by Dr Md Mushfiqur Rahman, Team Leader of the LST Project, while Project Director Dr Rezaul Haque Khan delivered the welcome address. Senior officials from the ministry and the department were also in attendance.