DHAKA, Sept 5, 2022 (BSS) - Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury today called for ensuring inclusive sustainable development in agriculture to have a prosperous agriculture sector.

She was addressing as the chief guest the two-day 17th national conference of Bangladesh Agricultural Economists Association (BAEA) and seminar at Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) auditorium in the city's Farmgate area.

Shirin said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had a dream to build a hunger and poverty free Sonar Bangla.

That’s why just after forming government in the newly independent Bangladesh, the great statesman Bangabandhu called for green revolution to enhance production identified agriculture as a priority sector for economic uplift and reestablished agriculture-based institutions, she said.

She said Bangabandhu founded different research-oriented organisations and foundations to bring epoch-making change in agriculture.

Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder and State Minister for Planning Professor Dr Shamsul Alam addressed the seminar as the special guests.

BAEA President and Prime Minister's Office (PMO) former Senior Secretary Sajjadul Hassan chaired the programme while former senior secretary and conference committee convener Md Mesbahul Islam delivered welcome address.

Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) former Vice-Chancellor Professor Emeritus Dr MA Sattar Mandal presented the keynote paper while BAEA Secretary General Dr Md Mizanul Haque Kajal also spoke on the occasion.

Shirin said tireless labour of farmers ensure food security for the country's 16 crore people.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took all-out measures including providing of required subsidy to increase agricultural production coping with the impact of coronavirus pandemic.

Three noted agriculturists were given gold medals on the occasion. They are Dr Md Abul Kashem, Dr Jahangir Alam Khanam and former senior secretary Sajjadul Hassan.