President urges people to launch ‘social movement’ for preservation of local species of fish

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President Iajuddin Ahmed releasing fish at the pond of Bangabhaban in the city Wednesday. — PID Photo

President Iajuddin Ahmed Wednesday called upon the people to launch a "social movement" for preservation and development of local species of fish, reports UNB.
The President made the remark while speaking at a function marking the release of fish fry at the 'Singha' pond of Bangabhaban.
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser CS Karim, Military Secretary to the President Aminul Karim, Secretary to the President's Office M Sirajul Islam and Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Syed Ataur Rahman were present, among others, on the occasion.
The President regretted that habitats of fish, their area of movement and breeding places are gradually shrinking due to overpopulation and decrease of natural water bodies.
He also attributed the dwindling of fish resources to increased use of water bodies for crop cultivation, use of water for irrigation, of fertiliser and insecticide in agricultural production, and ignorance of people.
"None of us want such a situation," the President said, calling for immediate initiatives and effective steps for protecting the traditional local fishes.
He called upon all the beneficiaries and other government and non-government organisations involved in the fish sector to play "more responsible role" for preservation, expansion and development of the sector having huge potential.
Iajuddin said people should be further encouraged to cultivate and preserve the local species of small fish alongside farming commercially profitable fish for protecting the country's water environment and bio-diversity.
He said the government has already taken various steps for the preservation of local species of fish. All out cooperation of people and mass awareness are needed to derive full benefit out of these steps.
The President hoped that the campaign to preserve and increase the local varieties of fish would generate massive awareness among the people and help enhance their output.
He also hoped that Bangladesh would be made prosperous through the preservation and development of the local species of fishes.
Iajuddin welcomed the initiative to release fish fry at the pond of Bangabhaban marking the `campaign for preservation and expansion of local species of fish-2007'.
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser CS Karim and Director General of Fisheries Directorate M Nazrul Islam also spoke on the occasion.