Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday called for giving a boost to Bangladesh’s farm products to help diversify the export basket and earn more in foreign exchange.
“I think agricultural products can play a vital role in diversifying the export basket. We must not depend on one or two export items only,” she said.
The prime minister said this while addressing a program organized at Osmani Memorial Auditorium to distribute the Bangabandhu National Agriculture Award among 44 individuals and organizations for the Bangla years 1425 (2018) and 1426 (2019).
She joined the event virtually from her official residence, Ganabhaban.
The award recognizes the outstanding contributions of the recipients to the development of the country’s agriculture.
Sheikh Hasina said her government has been working hard to increase agricultural products with the twin objectives of making the country self-reliant and increasing exports.
“We should always keep this in mind. We will stand on our own feet by reducing dependence on import,” she said.
Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Agriculture Ministry Matia Chowdhury and Agriculture Secretary Md Sayedul Islam also spoke at the program.
Sharmin Akhter spoke on behalf of the awardees.
A documentary on the development of agriculture in Bangladesh was screened at the program.