State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku emphasized that ensuring national food security is a top priority for the government. Speaking as chief guest at a workshop in Dhaka on Sunday, he called for a collective effort to prevent the irrational use of antibiotics in humans and animals. The event was organized by the Department of Livestock Services with support from the Antimicrobial Resistance Multi-Partner Trust Fund (AMR MPTF) project.

Tuku warned that unnecessary antibiotic use weakens human immunity and poses serious public health risks, while misuse in the livestock sector causes long-term harm. He noted that many small-scale farmers use antibiotics without understanding their adverse effects, making awareness a major challenge. The minister urged veterinarians to discourage antibiotic use without professional advice and directed district and upazila livestock officials to strengthen monitoring and awareness programs.

The workshop, chaired by the Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, featured senior officials from the ministry, WHO, WOAH, and FAO, along with experts discussing antimicrobial stewardship, One Health, and responsible antibiotic use.