The government is taking steps to establish more fish sanctuaries in haors and wetlands to increase the breeding and production of native freshwater fish, Fisheries and Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid said Saturday.
He also said initiatives are underway to replace the existing leasing system for water bodies with a new mechanism aimed at protecting the interests of local communities.
The minister made the remarks while talking to journalists after inspecting the venue of the inaugural ceremony of National Fisheries Week 2026 at Achmita George Institution Mini Stadium in Katiadi upazila of Kishoreganj.
He said Bangladesh once had abundant native fish in its haors, baors, rivers, canals and wetlands. However, the availability of freshwater fish has declined over time due to the use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers, destruction of fish habitats and the shrinking of natural sanctuaries.
To address the situation, the government plans to create safe habitats for fish in haors and wetlands, including large pits and deep water bodies where fish can breed and be conserved, he said.
“If fish eggs and fry can be protected, fish production will naturally increase,” the minister said, adding that sanctuary-based conservation of native freshwater fish would be strengthened.
Asked about concerns over microplastics in fish, Aminur Rashid said it was not only a problem for Bangladesh but a global concern. Microplastics have also been detected in seawater and marine fish, he said.
Bangladesh will take necessary measures in line with international research and decisions on the issue, he said, adding that the Environment Ministry’s relevant initiatives would also be important.
Regarding the government’s efforts to curb the use of “China Duari” nets, which are considered harmful to fisheries and aquatic biodiversity, the minister said such nets catch everything from tiny fry to large fish and other aquatic species.
Their use is damaging natural fish breeding and aquatic biodiversity, he said, stressing that administrative measures alone would not be enough and public cooperation was also necessary.
The minister said fishermen’s livelihoods are taken into consideration when fishing is banned during breeding seasons. Lists of fishermen have been prepared in different areas and food assistance is being provided to them, he added.
“We want Bangladesh to regain its tradition as a country of fish,” he said, adding that the government was working to restore the abundance of native fish in haors, rivers and wetlands.
He said the government was also working to introduce a new system for managing water bodies by protecting local interests and ensuring integrated management of agriculture and fisheries resources.
Work on drafting legislation in this regard is underway and the government plans to place the proposed law before Parliament later, he said.
The minister called for collective efforts by the government and people to protect fisheries resources and aquatic biodiversity for future generations.
State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam, Kishoreganj-2 lawmaker Advocate Jalal Uddin, Fisheries and Livestock Ministry Secretary Md Delwar Hossain, Additional Secretary Syeda Nowara Jahan, Department of Fisheries Director General Dr Md Khaled Kanak, Kishoreganj Deputy Commissioner Shohana Nasrin, District Fisheries Officer Mohammad Shahidul Islam, Pakundia Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rupom Das and Katiadi UNO Shamima Afroj Marliz, among others, were present during the inspections.