Mymensingh, Aug 8 (V7N) - State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has 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 while inaugurating the 32nd scientific conference of the Bangladesh Society for Veterinary Education and Research (BSVER) at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU).

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

Tuku said politics should not be pursued by making irresponsible or provocative statements on social media merely to increase likes and followers. "People expect responsible behavior 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 conference began at the Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Auditorium under the theme "Effective Application of Veterinary Education and Research for Sustainable Livestock Development and Ensuring Global Health." Scientists, researchers, teachers, veterinarians, policymakers, entrepreneurs, 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.

The programme was presided over by BSVER President and Sylhet Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Alim-ul Islam. Mymensingh-4 MP Md Abu Wahab Akand attended as special guest, while BAU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr A.K. Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan attended as chief patron.

Speaking at the event, BAU VC Prof Dr Bhuiyan called for developing high-yielding commercial breeds suitable for Bangladesh's environment and rural farming systems. He emphasized research to enable local cows to produce an average of four litres of milk, local goats one litre, and chickens at least 150 eggs annually. He also called for greater BAU involvement in policymaking to ensure food and nutritional security.

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