Many with tertiary farm education end up in police, administration, other professions

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that those who work in agriculture are the greatest people. They carry the scent of soil on their bodies. The contribution of agricultural scientists is the highest in ensuring the country's food security.

The minister made these remarks as the chief guest at the freshers' reception ceremony held on Sunday at the auditorium of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University.

The Local Government Minister said, "Ensuring food security for nearly 20 crore people in the country is currently a major challenge. However, many students who receive higher education in agriculture do not ultimately pursue agricultural research or the agriculture sector; instead, they join the police, administration, or other professions. Although these jobs offer more benefits, I urge talented students to keep themselves engaged in agricultural research and innovation in the interest of the country."

Calling upon students to contribute to agriculture and research, the minister said, "You bear the responsibility of a nation. Behind your education is the contribution of the entire nation. Therefore, you also have a duty towards the country. You must especially contribute to the agriculture and research sectors."

Mirza Fakhrul said, "Not everyone may get a government job; many of you will build agriculture-based businesses. There is scope to take agriculture to new heights through a creative economy." He added, "After 17 years of struggle and movement, the opportunity that has come must be utilised to move the country forward."

Regarding politics, he said, "Politics will always exist in the country. But that politics must not be negative. Everyone must play a role in the country's development through ideology, honesty, and work."

During the event, when students demanded an increase in research funds and the construction of a female dormitory, the chief guest assured that he would consider these matters seriously.

University Syndicate member Sheikh Sanjida Islam, MP, demanded the construction of a new female dormitory in light of the rising number of female students. She also expressed gratitude to the current government for allocating the highest budget to the education sector.

Anisur Rahman, MP for Madaripur-3 constituency and a syndicate member of the university, conveyed the Prime Minister's greetings to the new students.

The Prime Minister's Education Advisor, Dr. Mahdi Amin, said that the responsibility for implementing the government's commitment to agricultural development rests with the future agricultural scientists.

The event was presided over by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Latif. He welcomed the new students, highlighted the university's accommodation crisis, and sought government cooperation in constructing new dormitories.