Dhaka: Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday urged newly admitted students of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) to become entrepreneurs through agro-based industries, agribusiness, and innovative agricultural ventures instead of focusing solely on government jobs.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Fakhrul highlighted the country’s vast agricultural potential, stating it could create employment opportunities and significantly contribute to the national economy if young people established themselves as entrepreneurs. He emphasized this point while speaking as the chief guest at the orientation programme for freshers at SAU in the capital.
The minister noted that studying agriculture does not necessarily mean pursuing only government employment. “Students should create jobs not only for themselves but also for others by engaging in agriculture-related business, industry, and technology-based initiatives,” he said.
Fakhrul further addressed the issue of employment for educated youth, which remains a major challenge. He advised students to develop skills, creativity, and innovative thinking rather than focusing solely on obtaining academic degrees. He also stressed transforming agriculture into a modern, technology-driven, and productive sector.
The minister underscored the need for greater investment in agricultural research and the broader dissemination of new technologies among farmers to ensure the country’s food security. He highlighted the roles of students, teachers, researchers, and farmers in advancing the agricultural sector.
Referring to the current political situation, Fakhrul noted that various discussions and debates are natural in politics, especially in Bangladesh, but the country must continue moving forward. “It may seem difficult, but moving forward is not impossible,” he said.
Fakhrul addressed the serious challenges Bangladesh faces related to energy shortages, including gas, electricity, and fuel, exacerbated by disruptions to global supply chains caused by international conflicts. He called for constructive politics, emphasizing that democracy requires political activities, but politics should always serve the country’s interests rather than become negative.
Encouraging graduates to think beyond traditional employment, he asked, “When students complete their studies, they often ask for jobs. But where are the jobs? We need to create employment ourselves. Why don’t we think about setting up agro-industries, agricultural farms, or poultry farms? That will significantly reduce unemployment.”
Prime Minister’s Education Adviser Dr Mahdi Amin also addressed the programme, stating that the government has already begun working at the field level to increase the use of technology in agriculture and make farmers self-reliant. He praised Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University for its significant contributions to agricultural production and research in Bangladesh and expressed hope that the new students would play an important role in building a food-secure nation.
The programme was chaired by SAU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Abdul Latif, with attendees including Madaripur-3 MP Anisur Rahman, reserved-seat MP Sanzida Islam, teachers, students, and invited guests.