Dhaka: 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."
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, State Minister Tuku stated, "Increasing the participation of women entrepreneurs will accelerate the country's economic growth." He added that empowering women strengthens the nation's economy and that their active participation in sectors such as dairy farming is promising for society. The state minister further noted that women's contributions to the dairy sector are commendable and emphasized 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 mentioned that the success of an entrepreneur benefits the national economy.
Invoking the spirit of collective nation-building, the state minister urged stakeholders in the livestock sector to work with responsibility. "If everyone fulfils their respective duties properly, we can drive the country forward and build a prosperous Bangladesh," he stated. The discussion was presided over by DLS Director General Md Shahzaman Khan and 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 delivered the welcome address.
Earlier, to mark 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), and VAB Acting President Dr Abdur Rahim and General Secretary Dr Kabir Uddin Ahmed were present during the distribution ceremony. Following this, a colorful rally was brought out from the DLS premises, marching through the Khamarbari intersection before concluding at the KIB complex.
Later in the afternoon, State Minister Tuku paid a surprise visit to the head office of the Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) at Karwan Bazar. During the visit, he inspected various departments and exchanged views with 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. He remarked, "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."