Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim has said that Padma Bridge is a blessing for the southern people and it will bring unimaginable changes to the economy of the region.

The minister said this while speaking to reporters after inaugurating the seaweed fair organized by Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) at Tourism Holiday Complex in Kuakata on Friday.

The living standards of the people in this area will change due to this bridge, the minister said, adding that the modern aspirations of the people will be fulfilled as well.

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Due to the communication problem, fish, meat, milk, eggs and other agricultural products produced in the region could not reach Dhaka. But now, all kinds of products produced in the south will be able to reach Dhaka very easily, he added.

Besides, the processing industry will be established in this region and can be shipped directly abroad.

Muhammad Yamin Chowdhury, secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock was present as a special guest at the inauguration ceremony presided over by Yahia Mahmud, director general of Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute.

At the inauguration ceremony, the minister said that seaweed must be utilized because it has huge commercial importance. Seaweed is very helpful in meeting the nutritional needs of the people, enhancing immunity and providing delicious food. Seaweed has great demand in different countries of the world. “So, we have to work together to ensure that there are no barriers to the production and marketing of seaweed”.

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Responding to another question from reporters, the minister said Bangladesh is now self-sufficient in fish. Bangladesh has a demand for fish in at least 90 countries of the world.

Due to the establishment of the Padma Bridge, fish processing and packaging industries will be developed in the south. As a result, fish can be sent to many countries of the world directly from there.

“If we can export fish directly, the economy of this region will be dramatically changed”, the minister added.