‘Integrated efforts needed for safe food’
State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku stressed the need for greater public awareness and coordinated action across all sectors to ensure safe food and protect public health in Bangladesh.
The state minister made the remarks while addressing the 8th National Scientific Conference titled “Food Safety and Health”, organised by the Bangladesh Society for Safe Food at Dhaka Regency Hotel & Resort on Saturday under the theme “Ensuring Safe Food for a Sustainable Future.”
He said unchecked use of harmful substances and antibiotics in food production poses a serious threat to public health, underscoring the importance of scientific research and stronger monitoring systems to guarantee safe and nutritious food for the country’s growing population.
Highlighting the importance of biodiversity and sustainable food systems, He called for intensified research initiatives to protect natural resources and aquatic biodiversity. Referring to Bangladesh’s long-standing identity as a nation of “fish and rice”, he said effective measures are needed to preserve fish production and ecological balance.
He noted that meeting the food demands of the country’s large population remains a major challenge. However, he said the government, under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, is working relentlessly to build a safe, nutritious and sustainable food system for future generations.
The state minister also urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure access to nutritious food and contribute towards building a healthier and more prosperous Bangladesh.
Addressing wider social concerns, he described drug abuse as one of the country’s major social crises and called for coordinated efforts by families, society and the state to protect the younger generation. He urged conscious citizens to play a proactive role in guiding society in the right direction.
The conference was chaired by Professor Dr Md Khaled Hossain, president of the Bangladesh Society for Safe Food.
Among the special guests were Md Shahjaman Khan, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, and Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar, acting chairman of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority.
Moshiur Rahman, president of the Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council, attended the event as an honoured guest.
The keynote paper on the conference theme was presented by Dr Md Monirul Islam, former member director (Fisheries Division) of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council.
Researchers, academics, scientists, food safety experts, representatives from public and private institutions, and professionals from relevant sectors also attended the conference.
