Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid exchanged views with an executive delegation of the U.S.-Bangladesh Business Council. Photo : PID

DHAKA, August 11, 2026 (BSS) - Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid has sought technical assistance from the United States for the modernization of the agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors, increasing production, and ensuring safe food production.

He made the call during an exchange of views with an executive delegation of the U.S.-Bangladesh Business Council at his ministry. State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku was present at the meeting.

Rashid, also agriculture minister, said Bangladesh’s soil, climate and geographical location are highly favorable for agricultural production. 

There is significant scope to increase production through the use of modern technologies and technical expertise, while also increasing exports of agricultural products and reducing dependence on imports, he said.

Citing soybean as an example, he said local production could be increased by expanding soybean cultivation in the country’s char and island areas. 

For this, advanced technology and technical assistance are required, he added.

 In the livestock sector as well, initiatives have been undertaken to promote the use of modern technologies, improve the production of quality fodder, ensure adequate nutrition, and strengthen disease prevention capabilities, he said.

Mentioning safe food production as one of the government’s top priorities, the minister said along with increasing agricultural production, the health and safety of farmers and consumers must also be ensured. Special emphasis is also being placed on the safe use of pesticides.

He said there are plans to establish a certified organic farm in the country. Efforts are also underway to export USDA-certified organic food in the future, he added. 

During the exchange of views, representatives of the U.S.-Bangladesh Business Council expressed interest in expanding investment, technological cooperation and commercial collaboration in Bangladesh’s agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors. 

They expressed their willingness to work with the Bangladesh government as a constructive and responsible partner. 

They also said they are prepared to learn about the government’s priorities and future plans and to cooperate in achieving those goals.

Referring to the potential for expanding bilateral trade between the United States and Bangladesh, the representatives said there is scope to create greater opportunities for Bangladeshi exporters in the U.S. market and for U.S. exporters in the Bangladeshi market. In this regard, they emphasized the need to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Delwar Hossain, Department of Livestock Services Director General Md. Shahzaman Khan, Department of Fisheries Director General Dr Md Khaled Kanak, U.S.-Bangladesh Business Council President and Ambassador (retd) Atul Keshap, Executive Director for the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia Kevin Roepke, Bangladesh Country Team Lead of the U.S. Soybean Export Council Khabibur Rahman, and other representatives of the Council were present at the meeting.