State Minister urges boosting domestic milk production growth
State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku today emphasized the need to increase domestic milk production to meet national demand and reduce dependence 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.
He made these remarks while addressing a discussion organized at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) here marking the World Milk Day 2026 as the chief guest. This year's theme for the day is "Women Dairy Farmers: The Journey of Development."
"Increasing the participation of women entrepreneurs will accelerate the country's economic growth," Tuku said, adding, "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. Highlighting the importance of scaling up government assistance in line with the needs of local farmers, he said that when an entrepreneur succeeds, the entire national economy benefits.
Invoking the spirit of collective nation-building, the state minister urged all the stakeholders in the livestock sector to work with a strong sense of responsibility. "If everyone fulfils their respective duties properly, we can drive the country forward and build a prosperous Bangladesh," he said.
Presided over by DLS Director General Md Shahzaman Khan, the discussion was attended by the ministry's Additional Secretary Md Imam Uddin Kabir as the special guest. DLS Director Dr Md Boyzar Rahman presented the keynote paper while Dr Begum Shamsunnahar Ahmed, also a DLS Director, delivered the welcome address.
Earlier, to mark the World Milk Day, 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 ceremony.
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.
Surprise visit to BFDC
Later in the afternoon, State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku paid a surprise visit to the head office of the Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) at Karwan Bazar. During the visit, he inspected the activities of various departments and exchanged views with the officials and staff.
Addressing the BFDC officials, the state minister urged them to discharge their duties with honesty, dedication and responsibility to make the corporation's activities more dynamic and effective.
"The public has high expectations from the current government. If government officials perform their duties with sincerity and professionalism, the government will be better equipped to meet those expectations," he added.
