Speaking as the chief guest at the orientation program for freshmen at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) in the capital on Sunday (July 26), he said that studying agriculture does not mean everyone has to go only for government jobs. Through agriculture-related business, industry, and technology-based initiatives, one must create employment opportunities for oneself as well as for others.

The minister said that employment for educated youth is currently a major challenge. Therefore, instead of just obtaining degrees, one must develop skills, creativity, and innovative thinking and come forward with new initiatives. At the same time, emphasis must be laid on transforming agriculture into a modern, technology-based, and productive sector.

He further said that to ensure the country's food security, investment in agricultural research must be increased and new technologies must reach farmers. The role of students, teachers, researchers, and field-level farmers is very important in the development of agriculture.

At the event, the Prime Minister's Education Adviser Dr. Mahdi Amin said that Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University has made significant contributions to increasing agricultural production and agricultural research in Bangladesh. The new students will play an important role in building a food self-sufficient Bangladesh in the future.

The program, chaired by SAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Md. Abdul Latif, was attended by Anisur Rahman, Member of Parliament from Madaripur-3 constituency, Sanjida Islam Tuli, Member of Parliament from the reserved women's seat, along with university teachers, students, and invited guests.