Stop antibiotic misuse to ensure safe food: Tuku
State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku MP called for an end to antibiotic misuse and urged farmers, feed producers, and the government to coordinate to ensure safe food production and reduce poultry production costs.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at a workshop organised by the Gazipur District Livestock Department at the PTI Auditorium in Gazipur Sadar, according to a press release.
The workshop focused on implementing the Fish Feed and Animal Feed Act, 2010, and on strengthening quality control to increase the production and export capacity of safe meat.
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Tuku said closer coordination would benefit farmers while ensuring consumers' access to safe protein at affordable prices.
"Marginal farmers are the main driving force of the country's poultry and livestock sector. One of the government's goals is to sustain them and create new entrepreneurs," he said.
He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had brought farmers under the Farmers' Card initiative to help them access loans on easy terms, electricity facilities and government incentives similar to those available in agriculture.
"Safe food production is not only in the interest of farmers, but also in the interest of the entire nation," Tuku said.
He said unnecessary antibiotic use put food safety at risk and increased production costs, and he urged field-level livestock officials to strengthen efforts to educate farmers about scientific production methods and the appropriate use of medicines.
The state minister said the government wanted to keep production costs manageable while ensuring consumers could buy safe food at fair prices.
Highlighting the poultry sector's potential, he said Bangladesh had begun exporting hatching eggs, calling it a positive development. He added that, alongside meeting domestic demand, the government was working to increase exports of animal products to international markets.
Tuku emphasised the need to create new entrepreneurs to generate employment and strengthen the rural economy. He said expanding entrepreneurship at the grassroots would create jobs and contribute to broader economic growth.
He called on local administrations and law enforcement agencies to play a more active role in preventing the spread of adulterated food and drugs, and urged people to build social resistance against drugs.
Responding to journalists' questions, Tuku said the government was holding field-level discussions to address farmers' problems and encourage new entrepreneurs.
He said steps were also being taken to reduce production costs, improve access to loans on easy terms and strengthen market management.
The state minister said the government was aware of allegations of horse meat sales in Gazipur. He added that the government would take necessary action in coordination with relevant authorities and law enforcement agencies to prevent such irregularities.
The Gazipur District Livestock Department organised the workshop at the PTI Auditorium in Gazipur Sadar, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Md Nurul Karim Bhuiyan.
Special guests included Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Delwar Hossain, Livestock Department Director General Md Shahzaman Khan, Gazipur Metropolitan Police Additional Deputy Police Commissioner Md Shakil Ahmed, Superintendent of Police Md Jasim Uddin, PPM (Bar), and representatives from the Bangladesh Feed Industries Association. The department's Director of Extension, Dr Begum Shamshunnahar Ahmed, delivered the welcome speech, and Sadar Upazila Veterinary Surgeon Dr SM Harun-or-Rashid delivered the keynote address. Dr SM Harun-or-Rashid delivered the keynote address.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and the Livestock Department, along with local livestock farmers, attended the workshop.
