State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku on Saturday released 250 kilograms of fish fry into the lake at Bangladesh National Zoo in Mirpur, part of a nationwide government drive to conserve indigenous fish species and boost production.

The release was carried out by the Department of Fisheries under its programme to stock water bodies of key Dhaka institutions during the 2026-27 fiscal year.

The fry released included 100kg of rui, 75kg of catla and 75kg of kalibaush, each measuring 10 to 15 centimetres, totalling around 2,575 fish, roughly 1,100 rui, 600 catla and 875 kalibaush.

Speaking after the release, the state minister said boosting fish production and preserving native species remain the government's core objectives, adding that despite a growing population, the country currently faces no significant fish shortage, particularly as freshwater fish output continues to rise steadily alongside a growing number of fish farmers.

He said the government is extending various forms of support to grassroots farmers, including bringing fish farmers under the Farmers Card facility and offering easy-term loans and other incentives to increase production and strengthen the rural economy.

Responding to a question on fish feed and antibiotic use, Tuku said awareness campaigns are underway to ensure safe fish production, with farmers regularly trained and advised to stop unnecessary antibiotic use. “Field-level officials are also guiding farmers toward modern, scientific farming methods that help cut both waste and production costs while raising output.”

He added that the government is maintaining strict oversight to ensure quality fish feed, running regular mobile courts to check the production and marketing of substandard feed so that farmers avoid low-quality inputs and consumers get access to safe fish.