The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock on Wednesday recommended that the ministry prepare a coordinated action plan on marine fisheries exploration and harvesting as well as expansion of international markets for fish exports, and present it to the committee. 

The recommendation was made at the second meeting of the committee, held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban with its chairman Khairul Kabir Khokon in the chair.

The parliamentary body stressed the need to continue efforts to increase fisheries and livestock production, ensure supplies at fair prices, protect consumer rights, establish sanctuaries in water bodies, support farmers at the upazila and district levels, and strengthen market monitoring. 

It also recommended that the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock conduct market-based investigations and monitoring in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce, the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection and other relevant agencies to verify allegations of unreasonable price hikes, excessive profits by middlemen, artificial shortages and irregularities in the supply chain of fish, meat, milk and eggs. 

The committee directed the ministry to present an update on the progress of ongoing recruitment processes across all its subordinate departments and agencies at the next meeting. 

The parliamentary watchdog stressed completing development projects within their stipulated deadlines and ensuring accountability of the officials concerned. 

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid was present on a special invitation of the committee chairman. 

Committee members --State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Sk Md Rejaul Islam, Prof Nazrul Islam, MA Hannan, Ali Azam Md Abu Bakar and Md Amir Hamza-- attended the meeting. 

The Fisheries and Livestock Secretary and top officials from relevant departments were present.