More Research Key to Ensuring Safe Food: State Minister for Livestock

National

Staff Reporter

Published: Saturday, 08 August 2026

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku has said that research is indispensable for ensuring food safety. He noted that people are now highly conscious about what they consume, and it is crucial to confirm whether animal-based food is disease-free, healthy, and fit for human consumption.

He made these remarks on Saturday as the chief guest at the inaugural session of the 32nd Annual Scientific Conference of the Bangladesh Society for Veterinary Education and Research (BSVER), held at the Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Auditorium of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU).

The State Minister said the scope of the veterinary sector is expanding day by day. Although interest in this field was relatively low in the past, its importance has grown with advancements in science and research. Today, the livestock, fisheries, and agriculture sectors play a vital role in the national economy and food security.

He emphasized that to meet the country's protein demand, the livestock sector must be further developed. Research and modern healthcare systems are essential to keep animals healthy, prevent diseases, and ensure safe food production. "The more research we conduct in this sector, the more safe food we will be able to produce," he added.

Regarding veterinary hospitals, Tuku said these are currently concentrated in Dhaka. Plans are underway to establish at least one specialized veterinary hospital in each division to make services more accessible.

On employment for veterinarians, he said discussions have been held with the Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, the Finance Minister, and the Finance Secretary. The Prime Minister has been informed, and steps are being taken to create employment opportunities for graduates.

The inaugural session was chaired by BSVER President and Sylhet Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Alimul Islam. Special guest was Mymensingh-4 MP Md. Abu Wahab Akond Wahid. The chief patron was BAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A.K. Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan.

During the conference, Professor Dr. M. Moynuddin of the Physiology Department was awarded the "Annual Lecture Award-2026." Professor Robin Alders from the Australian National University presented the keynote paper.

The three-day conference, themed "Translating Veterinary Education and Research into Sustainable Livestock Development and Global Health," features nearly 600 researchers, teachers, students, and veterinarians from home and abroad. A total of 318 research papers—116 oral and 202 poster presentations—will be presented over the two main days.