Tuku calls for domestic industrial growth, self-reliance

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku has called for developing domestic industries and enterprises to achieve economic self-reliance.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the BUTEX-ITET Dye-Chem Expo-2026 at the Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX) in Tejgaon, Dhaka, on Friday.

“Our collective goal should be to transform Bangladesh into a self-reliant and self-sufficient nation. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government is working towards achieving this objective,” he said.

Tuku urged people to work together for national development and public welfare under the spirit of “Bangladesh First”.

Highlighting the country’s population of around 200 million, he said it should be considered an asset rather than a burden. Turning the population into a productive workforce could significantly strengthen the country’s economic potential, he added.

The state minister also stressed the importance of strengthening links between educational institutions and industries, saying direct engagement with industrial enterprises gives students practical experience and helps them apply their academic knowledge in professional settings.

He praised industry-oriented educational initiatives, noting that institutions have an important role in preparing future generations through innovation and practical learning.

Tuku said the government was working to ensure public welfare and advance national development, adding that the prime minister viewed public office as a responsibility to protect people’s interests.

Referring to the economic challenges facing the country, he said the government had assumed office amid difficulties in the banking and financial sectors. Global conflicts and economic uncertainty had also put pressure on energy supplies and commodity prices in many countries, he added.

Despite these challenges, the government had been working to stabilise the economy and promote national development, he said.

BUTEX Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Engineer Md Julhash Uddin chaired the ceremony.

Engineer Mahbuba Hakim, MP for Reserved Seat-48; Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Engineer Mahmud Hasan Khan; Institute of Textile Engineers and Technologists (ITET) Bangladesh President and Mempair Limited Managing Director Engineer Enayet Hossain; and ITET Bangladesh General Secretary Engineer ASM Hafizur Rahman Nixon attended the event as special guests.