Agriculture Minister Dr. Muhammad Abdur Razzaque on Thursday said that agriculture sector is one of the key drivers of the growth of the economy of Bangladesh. Continued growth of GDP is being possible for the contribution of agricultural sector in the economy.
He said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman always cherished a dream to make Bangladesh highly developed agriculturally.
Minister made the remarks while addressing a webinar as chief guest titled as“The Dream of Bangabandhu: Agricultural Development of Bangladesh in the Last Five Decades”, organized by International Business Forum of Bangladesh (IBFB) in support with Energypac Power Generation Ltd.
Minister mentioned as agriculture is playing an important role in reducing poverty, the investors should invest more in this sector. To turn Bangabandhu’s dream into reality, GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) is mandatory and we should give our focus in the commercialization and branding of our agricultural products.
Prof. Dr. Shahidur Rashid Bhuiyan, Vice Chancellor, Sher -E- Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) were also present at the webinar as special guest while Prof. Dr. Jahangir Alam, Vice Chancellor, University of Global Village (UGV) presented the key note paper in the webinar.
Humayun Rashid, President, IBFB & Managing Director & CEO, Energypac Power Generation Ltd., presided over the ceremony.
The webinar mainly focused on pertinent issues related to the developing country’s agricultural development according to the Dream of Bangabandhu.
The speakers also discussed how private sector can contribute in developing this sector.
MS Siddiqui, Legal Economist & Vice President, IBFB, in his welcome address said, “In order to provide loans to farmers on simple terms and conditions, Bangabandhu established Bangladesh Krishi Bank. He also took measures to distribute khash lands to the landless farmers of the country. He also remitted taxes on minimum 25 bigha land. In 1973, he made the arrangements to rehabilitate 22 lakhs farmers. In his period, various types of low-lift pump and deep tube well were set up. The farmers were distributed hybrid paddy (IR-8) and wheat seeds which was then brought from Philippine.”
Lt. Gen M. Harun-Ar-Rashid, Bir Protik (Retd.), Former Chief of Army Staff, Bangladesh Army &Chairman, Governmental Relation and Advocacy Committee of IBFB and Dr. F H Ansary, Managing Director, ACI Agri Business spoke at the event as designated discussants.