State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku on Saturday said the fisheries and livestock sector is being brought under the ‘Farmer Card’ programme as the current government is working with the utmost importance for the development of the sector.
“The fisheries and livestock sector are coming under the ‘Farmer Card' (programme). So, farmers in the sector will also enjoy benefits similar to crop farmers,” he said.
The state minister made the remarks while speaking as chief guest at a programme marking World Veterinary Day 2026 at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) auditorium in the city.
This year's day was observed with the theme “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health".
Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said the livestock sector could play a very important role in strengthening the country’s economy. “The government is also giving the utmost importance to the development of this sector. There is no alternative to this sector for attaining self-sufficiency in food and increasing exports,” he said.
Focusing on the importance of veterinary professionals in ensuring safe food, Tuku said food security has become one of the most critical issues globally and veterinarians are playing a significant role in protecting public health through safe food production.
Noting that awareness about food safety has increased over time, he said interest in veterinary education and the profession has also expanded significantly in the country. “Although the veterinary profession was once not given much importance, people's interest in this sector has now increased greatly,” he said.
Describing animal healthcare as a challenging task, the state minister said animals cannot express their problems, making treatment and care difficult, and praised professionals working in the sector as highly skilled and competent.
Tuku also stressed the need for finding effective solutions to the challenges in the animal husbandry through discussion and coordination.
“Animal husbandry and veterinary science are currently going through a complex and challenging situation. We will find effective solutions through mutual discussion and coordination. If we work together, all problems can be solved and everyone will benefit equally,” he said.
The event, chaired by President of Veterinary Association of Bangladesh (VAB) Prof Dr Md Mahbub Alam, was also addressed by Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Delwar Hossain and Director General (In-Charge) of the Department of Livestock Services Agriculturist Md Shahzaman Khan.
Senior officials of the ministry and veterinarians from across the country attended the event.
Earlier, the state minister joined a colourful rally and inaugural activities organised on the occasion of World Veterinary Day, said a PID handout.