Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday urged newly admitted students of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) to become entrepreneurs through agro-based industries, agribusiness and innovative agricultural ventures instead of focusing solely on government jobs.
He said the country's vast agricultural potential could create employment opportunities and make a significant contribution to the national economy if young people established themselves as entrepreneurs.
Speaking as the chief guest at the orientation programme for freshers at SAU in the capital, Fakhrul said studying agriculture does not necessarily mean pursuing only government employment.
"Students should create jobs not only for themselves but also for others by engaging in agriculture-related business, industry and technology-based initiatives," he said.
The minister said employment for educated youth remains a major challenge. Therefore, students should develop skills, creativity and innovative thinking rather than focusing only on obtaining academic degrees. He also stressed the need to transform agriculture into a modern, technology-driven and productive sector.
He said greater investment in agricultural research and wider dissemination of new technologies among farmers are essential to ensuring the country's food security. Students, teachers, researchers and farmers all have vital roles to play in advancing the agricultural sector, he added.
Referring to the current political situation, Fakhrul said various discussions and debates are natural in politics, especially in Bangladesh, but the country must continue moving forward.
"It may seem difficult, but moving forward is not impossible," he said.
"Now we have an opportunity. We should not waste it carelessly or push the country back into darkness. Rather, we must move it towards light through our collective efforts," he said.
The minister said Bangladesh is currently facing serious challenges related to energy shortages, including gas, electricity and fuel, compounded by disruptions to global supply chains caused by international conflicts.
Calling for constructive politics, Fakhrul said democracy requires political activities, but politics should always serve the country's interests rather than become negative.
He also encouraged graduates to think beyond traditional employment.
"When students complete their studies, they often ask for jobs. But where are the jobs? We need to create employment ourselves. Why don't we think about setting up agro-industries, agricultural farms or poultry farms? That will significantly reduce unemployment," he said.
Prime Minister's Education Adviser Dr Mahdi Amin also addressed the programme, saying the government has already begun working at the field level to increase the use of technology in agriculture and make farmers self-reliant.
He said Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University has made significant contributions to agricultural production and research in Bangladesh and expressed hope that the new students would play an important role in building a food-secure nation.
The programme was chaired by SAU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Abdul Latif.
Among others, Madaripur-3 MP Anisur Rahman, reserved-seat MP Sanzida Islam, teachers, students and invited guests attended the event.