He said this while speaking as chief guest at an exchange meeting organized at the conference room of Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) on Thursday afternoon.

The state minister said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is giving special importance to the development of the fisheries and livestock sector. This sector has an important role in strengthening the country's economy, making marginalized people self-reliant and meeting people's demand for animal protein. Therefore, along with increasing production, creating entrepreneurs and enhancing the capacity of government institutions, research findings must be applied in production and at the field level.

Addressing the scientists and officials of BLRI, he said there is an opportunity to take the country's livestock sector further ahead through research and innovation. For this, they must work responsibly and ensure the practical application of research. He called upon every state institution to be run in accordance with rules and laws and upon government officials and employees to discharge their duties with integrity, dedication and professionalism.

The state minister further said that everyone must work for the country's interest, upholding the spirit of ‘Bangladesh First’. Collective efforts are needed to increase research, innovation and institutional efficiency to build a developed and prosperous Bangladesh for future generations.

In response to journalists' questions, Sultan Saluddin Tuku said that increasing exports of livestock products after meeting domestic demand is one of the government's goals. Export activities have already begun. As part of this, hatching eggs have been exported to Nigeria. The government is giving importance to ensuring food security and protecting animal and human health. In this regard, the ‘One Health’ concept is very important.

Speaking as special guest, Professor Dr. S M Abdul-Awal, Principal Coordinator for SDGs at the Prime Minister's Office, said that long-term and realistic research projects must be undertaken to meet people's nutritional needs, increase production in the livestock sector and reduce import dependence. By setting national priorities, efforts must be taken to ensure the optimal use of limited resources as well as increase production by using alternative land and resources without wasting agricultural land.

The meeting, chaired by BLRI Director General Dr. Shakila Faruque, was attended by senior officials of BLRI, including Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Md. Shahjaman Khan. After the meeting, the state minister visited BLRI's cattle and sheep research farm and the Central Cattle Breeding and Dairy Farm located in Savar.