Acting president stresses collective efforts to develop fisheries sector

Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, today (15 August) called upon private institutions, organisations, entrepreneurs, researchers and fishers to join hands with the government for the desired development of the country's fisheries sector.

In a message on the occasion of 'National Fisheries Fortnight-2026', or 'Jatiya Matsya Pokkho', to be observed tomorrow (16 August), he said collective efforts are essential to ensure the sustainable development of the country's fisheries resources.

He said Bangladesh has been rich in fisheries resources since time immemorial, with its rivers, canals, wetlands, haors, baors and vast water bodies forming an important part of the country's natural wealth.

He said fish is deeply intertwined with Bangladesh's society, culture and festivals, while the fisheries sector makes a significant contribution to the national economy and people's livelihoods.

The sector continues to play an important role in national development by meeting the protein and nutritional needs of the people, thereby helping build a healthy and skilled workforce, while also contributing to poverty alleviation, employment generation and foreign currency earnings, he added.

The acting president said the current democratic government is committed to the sustainable development of the fisheries sector.

To fulfil its electoral pledges, the government has undertaken various programmes across the country for the excavation, re-excavation and conservation of rivers, canals and water bodies, he said, adding that these initiatives have created significant opportunities to increase overall fish production.

He said various programmes, including policy support, have also been undertaken to improve the livelihoods and ensure the economic security of people in coastal areas, haor-baor regions and riverine communities.

Fishers have also been included in the government's landmark 'Farmer Card' distribution programme, while the 'Those who own the nets, own the water bodies (Jaal Jar, Jola Tar)' policy is being implemented, he said.

Alongside developing improved fish varieties and expanding the production of quality feed and processing industries, various plans are being adopted and implemented to increase fish exports, the acting president said.

He expressed hope that the successful implementation of these initiatives would play an important role in ensuring the sustainable development of the country's fisheries resources.

The acting president stressed that there is no alternative to improving the socioeconomic conditions of marginal fishers, ensuring fair prices for fish farmers and marginal farmers, and strengthening research, investment and new initiatives in the sector.

He called upon all concerned to work collectively with the government to achieve the desired development of the fisheries sector.

The acting president extended his sincere greetings and congratulations to all fish farmers, fishers, traders, entrepreneurs, fisheries researchers, scientists and others associated with the sector on the occasion.

He wished overall success to all programmes undertaken on the occasion.