PM seeks private sector's steps for livestock, fisheries development

Emphasising the importance of food and nutrition security, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called upon the private sector to step forward in developing the country's poultry, fisheries and livestock sectors.

"I want the private sector to come forward. I would like to see more entrepreneurs in the private sector. I want to help in every way. Through this, we also want to boost employment for the people of the country," she said while addressing the opening ceremony of the Livestock Services Week and Exhibition 2024 as the chief guest at the old Trade Fair Ground in the capital's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on Thursday (18 April).

The premier said If people engage in entrepreneurship and trade independently rather than seeking employment after graduation, then "we can make significant progress."

Sheikh Hasina urged all to encourage the country's youth to become entrepreneurs, so that, in future, they do not need to depend on anyone.

Regarding food security, she said, "We believe that we can ensure our nutrition as well."

The prime minister also mentioned that buffaloes and sheep are being produced in the country's char lands, even in Bhasanchar, where the Rohingyas have been given shelter.

"If we can utilise the land we have, we can meet our own needs," she said, urging all to come forward in the country's dairy and other sectors as well.

"We want to further develop our livestock sector. Online systems have already been developed to serve this livestock sector," she said.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Md Abdur Rahman chaired the event while Secretary Md Selim Uddin delivered the welcome address.

President of Bangladesh Dairy Farmers' Association Imran Hossain delivered a speech at the programme as the representative of the country's dairy sector. 

Joint Convener of Bangladesh Poultry Industry Central Council Mashiur Rahman spoke as the representative of the poultry sector.

At the outset of the programme, a documentary on the progress and achievement of the present government in the livestock sector was screened. The premier also visited the exhibition.