Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid on Wednesday said the government has taken initiatives to increase the natural production of indigenous fish species and protect their breeding grounds across the country.
“Sanctuaries for fish are being established across haors, baors, rivers and even in the sea,” he said.
The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at a workshop titled “Annual Research Progress Review (2025-26) and Planning Formulation (2026-27)”, organised by the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) in the capital.
Highlighting the tradition of “Mache-Bhate Bangali” (Bengalis living on fish and rice) and the government's various initiatives, Aminur Rashid said Bangladesh had achieved self-sufficiency in fish production thanks to quality research conducted in the past.
“Significant progress has been made in farmed fish production, quality enhancement and feed management. However, natural fish breeding grounds are now on the verge of destruction due to climate change and a lack of public awareness,” he said.
He added that, following direct instructions from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government was moving forward this year with a substantial budget and a long-term plan to address the crisis.
The minister issued several directives and calls to researchers and scientists, stressing the need to intensify research on breeding, breed development and the recovery of various endangered indigenous fish species.
He urged researchers to address the adverse impacts of climate change, prevent fish diseases and ensure the production of quality fish fry.
He also stressed the need to harness the immense potential of coastal and marine fisheries resources, raise public awareness alongside enforcing laws to stop the use of harmful fishing nets, and prioritise safe fish production by avoiding feed containing ingredients hazardous to human health.
Speaking as the special guest, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku stressed the need to maintain quality standards while increasing the country's fish production.
“It is essential to overcome existing barriers in this regard. The taste and quality of fish largely depend on water quality. Therefore, alongside boosting fish production, pollution in water bodies must be prevented, and a suitable environment for the natural growth of fish must be ensured,” he said.
Tuku added that increasing water flow and reducing waterlogging through the excavation of rivers and canals would help create a suitable environment for fish.
He called on all stakeholders to work together to further enrich and advance the country's fisheries sector.
The workshop was chaired by BFRI Director General Dr Md Latiful Islam.
Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Delwar Hossain, Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation Chairman Md Mir Hossain, Department of Livestock Services Director General Md Shahzaman Khan and BARC Executive Chairman Dr Md Abdus Salam also addressed the event.
BFRI Director Dr Md Amirul Islam delivered the welcome address.
University teachers, senior officials of the ministry, BFRI scientists, Department of Fisheries officials and representatives of fishermen attended the event.