State minister calls for boosting milk production to reduce import reliance

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku today (1 June) emphasised the need to increase domestic milk production to meet national demand and reduce the country’s reliance on imports.

Speaking at a discussion at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) to mark World Milk Day 2026, he said, “The government is working to expand dairy production capacity with the long-term goal of exporting dairy products.”

The theme of this year’s observance is “Women Dairy Farmers: The Journey of Development”, reads a press release.

“Increasing the participation of women entrepreneurs will accelerate the country’s economic growth,” Tuku said.

The state minister added, “When women are empowered, the nation’s economy becomes stronger. The active participation of women in various sectors, including dairy farming, is a highly promising sign for our society.”

He noted women’s contribution to the dairy sector and underscored the need for increased training and support to enhance their skills. 

He also called for expanding government assistance in line with farmers’ needs, saying the success of individual entrepreneurs contributes to the overall growth of the national economy.

Urging stakeholders in the livestock sector to work responsibly, Tuku said, “If everyone fulfils their respective duties properly, we can drive the country forward and build a prosperous Bangladesh.”

Earlier in the day, the state minister distributed milk among underprivileged people in front of the Department of Livestock Services headquarters as part of World Milk Day celebrations. 

Surprise visit to Fisheries Development Corporation 

Later in the afternoon, the state minister paid a surprise visit to the headquarters of the Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) at Karwan Bazar.

During the visit, he inspected the activities of various departments and exchanged views with officials and employees.

Addressing BFDC officials, he urged them to perform their duties with honesty, dedication and responsibility to make the corporation’s operations more dynamic and effective.

“The public has high expectations of the current government. If government officials perform their duties with sincerity and professionalism, the government will be better equipped to meet those expectations,” he said.