Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid has said the government has drawn up plans to increase the natural production of native fish and protect their breeding grounds. Fish sanctuaries are being created in haors, baors, rivers and canals, and even in the sea, he said.
He was speaking as chief guest at a workshop titled “Annual Research Progress Review (2025-26) and Planning (2026-27)”, organised by the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) today.
Recalling Bengalis’ tradition of fish and rice and the government’s measures, the minister said good research in the past was the reason the country is now self-sufficient in fish. Production, quality and feed management of farmed fish have improved greatly. But because of climate change and a lack of public awareness, the breeding grounds of wild fish are now on the brink of ruin. He said that on the direct instruction of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government has from this year committed a large budget and a long-term plan to overcoming the crisis.
The minister gave researchers and scientists a number of specific instructions. Setting out the government’s research priorities, he said research must be stepped up on the breeding of native fish, improvement of strains and the recovery of species that have disappeared. The adverse effects of climate change must be tackled, disease prevented and quality fry production ensured. The vast potential of coastal and marine fisheries must be put to use. Stopping the use of harmful nets needs not only law enforcement but greater public awareness. The emphasis must be on safe fish production, avoiding feed that contains substances risky or harmful to human health.
On exports, Minister Aminur Rashid said the government wants to export a substantial amount of fish in the coming days, but there will be no compromise on quality under any circumstances.
Speaking as special guest, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said that alongside raising fish production, its quality must be ensured, and the existing obstacles removed. The taste and quality of fish depend largely on water quality, so alongside higher production, pollution of water bodies must be stopped and an environment suited to the natural growth of fish ensured.
He said that if dredging rivers and canals increases water flow and reduces waterlogging, a suitable environment for fish can be ensured. Everyone must work together to make the country’s fisheries sector richer and move it forward.
The workshop was chaired by BFRI Director General Dr Md Latiful Islam. Other speakers were Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Delwar Hossain, Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation chairman Md Mir Hossain, Department of Livestock Services Director General Md Shahjaman Khan, and BARC Executive Chairman Dr Md Abdus Salam. University teachers, senior ministry officials, BFRI scientists, Department of Fisheries officials and representatives of fishermen were present.
BFRI director Dr Md Amirul Islam gave the welcome speech.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report