Chief Adviser (CA) Professor Muhammad Yunus has said the fisheries sector can unveil a new horizon of immense potentials before the nation for attaining economic growth and sustainable social development, reports BSS.
"I hope that all concerned will work with utmost integrity to build a sustainable fisheries sector by harnessing the immense potential for investment and business development in the sector," he said in a message marking the National Fisheries Week 2025, according to a handout.
"I am delighted to know that like the previous years, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock is observing the National Fisheries Week 2025 this year to raise awareness and encourage the people to conserve, expand, and develop the country's fisheries resources. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the fish farmers, entrepreneurs, fishermen, and all others concerned. I consider this year's theme of the week - 'Create Sanctuaries, Fill the Country with Native Fish' - to be very significant."
The CA said the contribution of the fisheries sector is immense towards ensuring food security, creating employments, alleviating poverty, earning foreign currencies, and improving the socio-economic condition of the people.
Bangladesh is now self-sufficient in fish production thanks to the expansion of appropriate and climate-resilient aquaculture technologies at the farmers' level, implementation of co-management in open waterbodies, and sustainable management of marine fisheries resources, he added.
According to the FAO's 2024 report, Bangladesh ranks second in the world in freshwater fish production, and fifth in closedwater fish production. Moreover, Bangladesh is currently in the first position in the world in hilsa production, and fourth in telapia production.
"This unimaginable success of our fisheries sector has further enhanced Bangladesh's dignity in the global stage," Professor Yunus noted.
He added that since assuming responsibility, the interim government has undertaken various programmes to develop the fish resources and increase domestic fish supply. Measures based on modern technology and planned 'Blue Economy' initiatives are being implemented to identify, assess, and harvest marine fisheries resources.
Effective steps have been taken to declare marine protected areas, formulate a marine plan, and prevent illegal and excessive fishing in the sea to protect marine biodiversity.
To ensure the proper quality of frozen fish and fisheries products, regarded as one of Bangladesh's major export items, good aquaculture practices, fisheries inspection, and quality control laws are being framed and implemented.
Besides, initiatives have also been taken to explore the potential for commercial harvesting of marine tuna and similar fish species. Furthermore, various programmes are being implemented at the field-level to further expand fish production in the freshwater and closed waterbodies.
The CA wished success of all programmes organised on the occasion of the National Fisheries Week 2025.
The government has chalked out an elaborate programme to observe the week from today (Tuesday), aimed at raising mass awareness and building sanctuaries to boost production of various fish species. The weeklong series of events would be observed across the country at central, district and upazila levels on July 22-28.
The National Fisheries Medal 2025 would be distributed among 16 persons and organisations in seven categories this year for recognising their contribution in the fisheries sector, said Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter at a media briefing on the eve of the National Fisheries Week 2025.
The programmes, which were chalked out to observe the event, included distribution of fisheries medal, organising various awareness programmes, rallies, discussion, seminar, workshop and exhibition.
The contribution of the fisheries sector has been undeniable in providing safe protein and fulfilling nutritional demand of the people. The sector is also playing an important role in employment generation, export expansion, achieving foreign currency and socio-cultural development, she noted.
