Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated National Fisheries Fortnight-2026 here on Sunday, stressing the need to strengthen the fisheries sector to advance the government’s vision of a self-reliant and welfare-oriented Bangladesh.
He formally opened the fisheries fortnight, which is being observed across the country from August 16 to 30 under the theme “A self-sufficient country through silver fish, Bangladesh first,” at the George Institution Mini Stadium in Achmita Union of Katiadi upazila.
On his arrival at the stadium amid rains, Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku and State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam welcomed him.
At the inaugural ceremony, Tarique handed over the National Fisheries Medal (Gold) to 14 individuals and organisations in 13 categories in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the country's fisheries sector.
The awardees were recognised for their contributions to areas including fisheries production, research, technological innovation, extension services, administrative efficiency and entrepreneurship development.
Earlier in the day, the prime minister began his Kishoreganj programme by releasing fish fry into the Old Brahmaputra River at Mirzapur Chairman Bari Ghat area of Pakundia at around 11:30am.
He also distributed fish fry among local people and exchanged greetings with residents.
The programme was organised as part of the activities marking National Fisheries Fortnight, with the government seeking to increase fish production while protecting the country's natural fisheries resources.
Speaking at a public gathering there, Tarique said his government wanted to establish Bangladesh as a welfare state, while stressing the importance of developing the country’s productive sectors.
Later, the prime minister visited the Katiadi Carp Hatchery Complex before joining the inauguration and award ceremony at the Achmita George Institute field.
The National Fisheries Fortnight has been organised with programmes across districts and upazilas, including rallies, discussions, seminars, fish fairs, fish-fry release, technology exhibitions, awareness campaigns and recognition of successful fish farmers.
The programmes aim to promote safe fish production, sustainable management of fisheries resources, modern technology-based aquaculture and awareness of the nutritional value of fish.
Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid presided over the inaugural ceremony.
State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, State Minister for Local Government Shahe Alam, State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam, Kishoreganj-2 MP Jalal Uddin, Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Delwar Hossain and Department of Fisheries Director General Dr Md Khaled Kanak, among others, attended the event.
After the fisheries programme, the prime minister is scheduled to inaugurate a tree-planting programme at Sholakia Eidgah and attend a Family Card distribution programme at the old Kishoreganj Stadium.
At the programme, honorariums will also be provided to religious figures including imams, muezzins, priests, monks and pastors as part of the government's broader social-support initiatives.
The prime minister is scheduled to return to Dhaka by road in the evening.