Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Saturday said the government's decision to fully waive agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000, including principal and interest, for marginal farmers would provide a major boost to the country's rural economy.
"At a time when the country is burdened with nearly Tk 12 lakh crore in foreign debt, a similar amount in domestic debt and around Tk 6 lakh crore in non-performing loans, the government has taken this historic step to protect marginal farmers," he said.
The minister made the remarks while addressing the Bangladesh Agro-Industry Media Award-2025 distribution ceremony as chief guest at the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) conference room in Gulshan, Dhaka on Saturday afternoon.
Swapon said agriculture remains one of the key drivers of the country's GDP and employment, and strengthening the sector is essential for sustainable economic growth.
Referring to Bangladesh's transition from an agriculture-based economy to an industrial economy, he stressed the need for greater technological integration and technical expertise to ensure successful transformation.
The minister said converting raw agricultural produce into value-added agro-industrial products through modern technology would create significant opportunities in both domestic and international markets.
"The prospects and challenges of this transformation can be effectively highlighted through quality journalism," he said, adding that well-researched reports would encourage entrepreneurship and help policymakers formulate sustainable and agriculture as well as industry-friendly policies.
He said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting would compile special reports on agriculture and agro-industries and convey their recommendations to the relevant policymakers.
Highlighting the government's development vision, Swapon said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had declared "I have a plan" before assuming office.
"Reflecting that vision, our government also says, “We have a plan.” Agriculture is one of the central pillars of our national development strategy," he said.
Congratulating the award recipients, he thanked PRAN-RFL Group for launching the initiative, saying it would encourage both journalists and stakeholders in the agro-industrial sector.
Managing Director of PRAN Group Md Eleash Mridha chaired the function, while National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz attended as special guest.
Seven journalists received awards in print, television and online categories for outstanding reporting on agriculture and agro-processing industries.
In the print category, the awardees were Sukanta Haldar of The Daily Star, and Rafiqul Islam and M Munir Hossain of The Daily Sun.
The television category winners were Delwar Hossain Dolon of Channel 24 and Rakib Hossain of Ekattor TV.
In the online category, the awards went to Nazmul Hossain of Jago News24 and Shariful Rukon of Ekushey Patrika.com.
The organizers said the winners were selected by a three-member jury board comprising Professor Robaet Ferdous of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at the University of Dhaka, Khurshid Ahmad Farhad, General Manager of Bombay Sweets and Company Limited and Mohammad Tauhidul Islam, Director of Outreach and Communication at Transparency International Bangladesh.
