BNP believes in unfettered media freedom: Tuku

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku today said the people will never accept politics based on conspiracy, instability, repression, fascism and autocracy.

"BNP is a modern, liberal and democratic political party and it believes in unfettered media freedom. BNP does not control any news outlet; rather, it has given the media complete freedom. We believe in democracy," he said.

The state minister made the remarks while inaugurating the 32nd scientific conference of the Bangladesh Society for Veterinary Education and Research (BSVER) at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) here as the chief guest.

He added that whenever the people of Bangladesh have had the opportunity to vote freely and impartially, they have chosen the BNP. 

Tuku further said that politics should not be pursued by making irresponsible or provocative statements on social media merely to increase likes and followers.

"People expect responsible behaviour from young leaders. The people now want a discrimination-free and democratic society. After five years, the people will judge the government's performance and they themselves will decide who will run the country," he said.

The minister said steps have already been taken to ensure employment opportunities for veterinary students after completion of their studies.

"More than 500 posts have already been approved in the fisheries sector. A plan is underway to establish one veterinary hospital in each division of the country," he added.

Earlier, the 32nd scientific conference of BSVER began at the Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Auditorium of BAU under the theme "Effective Application of Veterinary Education and Research for Sustainable Livestock Development and Ensuring Global Health." 

Scientists, researchers, teachers, veterinarians, policymakers, entrepreneurs in the livestock sector and students from home and abroad are participating in the two-day conference.

A total of 318 research papers will be presented in 16 parallel scientific sessions including 116 oral presentations and 202 poster presentations.

The programme was presided over by BSVER President and Sylhet Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Alim-ul Islam.

Mymensingh-4 Lawmaker Md Abu Wahab Akand attended the programme as a special guest while BAU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr A.K. Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan attended as chief patron.

Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science Prof Dr Md Bahanur Rahman, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Md Shahjahan Khan and Managing Director of Inter Agro BD Limited Dr A.K.M. Khasruzzaman were also present as special guests.

BSVER General Secretary Prof Dr Sukumar Saha, Chairman of the organising committee of the 32nd annual conference Prof Dr Md Mahbub Alam, general secretary Prof Dr Tahsin Farzana and members of the BSVER executive and organising committees were also present.

Speaking at the event, BAU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr A.K. Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan said emphasis should be placed on developing high-yielding commercial breeds as well as breeds suitable for Bangladesh's environment and rural farming systems.

"Research and planning are needed to develop breeds that enable local cows to produce an average of four litres of milk, local goats to produce one litre of milk and chickens at least 150 eggs a year," he said.

He also called for greater involvement of Bangladesh Agricultural University in policymaking and research to ensure the country's food and nutritional security, reports BSS.