Photo: Taken from the video

DHAKA, Aug 23, 2026 (BSS) - Agriculture and Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid today said there will be no compromise on quality in food production.

"Food production will have to be increased to meet the growing demand of the people, but there can be no compromise on the quality of food while increasing its production," he said.

The agriculture minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an event at a city hotel here.

Fistech BD Limited arranged the event marking the 'Aquaculture Knowledge Day-2026'.

Aminur Rashid said agricultural products will be Bangladesh's largest items in its export basket in the coming days.

He said Bangladesh is an agricultural country where about 75 percent of its people are directly or indirectly involved in the agriculture and fisheries sector.

If this sector can be strengthened economically, the overall economy of the country will be sustainable, he said.

So, the minister said, the government is putting emphasis on increasing agriculture and fisheries production, keeping in mind the two goals of meeting the country's needs and creating a position in the international market.

Regarding food quality, he said, "Currently, there is no shortage of food in the world, but there is a shortage of quality food. We have to get out of the dependence on harmful pesticides and antibiotics that pollute the soil, water and air and cause harm to human health."

Noting that the presence of heavy metals in soil and water is increasing at an alarming rate due to the indiscriminate use of fertilizers and pesticides, Aminur Rashid said the government has already started research to identify whether these heavy metals are coming from groundwater, fertilizers or pesticides.

He also highlighted the plan to use river water for irrigation in the context of the decline in groundwater levels.

About the potential of fish export, the fisheries minister said if the hatchery production and breeding success rate of crabs can be increased, its export to the world market can be increased manifold.

Stating that the crab market is expanding in Europe and the Middle East, he urged researchers to tap this potential.

At this time, the minister also highlighted the demand for eel in the European market and the potential for the country's hilsa export.

Aminur Rashid said foreign buyers are interested in eel and canned processed hilsa, and the government is working to expand the breeding grounds of hilsa by dredging rivers.

Urging new entrepreneurs to come forward in the agriculture and fisheries sector, the minister said agriculturists, who have passed out of the university, should not just run after jobs but become entrepreneurs.

He said the incumbent government is fully ready to provide all-out support to new entrepreneurs in this sector.

However, he said, priority should be given to producing quality products instead of making money as the sole goal.

Aminur Rashid said all should contribute to building a beautiful state by remaining honest in their respective position and encouraging others to be honest.

Chaired by Fistech BD Limited Chairman Khandaker Farhad Hossain, the meeting was attended, among others, by Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Delwar Hossain and Director General (in-charge) of the Department of Fisheries Dr Md Khaled Kanak.

Teachers, researchers from various universities, aquaculture entrepreneurs and marginal farmers participated in the event.