Fish sanctuaries from haors and baors to the sea, Minister Amin Ur Rashid says at Dhaka workshop

The government has taken up a plan to increase the natural production of native fish and protect their breeding grounds. As part of it, fish sanctuaries are being created in haors, baors, rivers and canals, and even in the sea, Fisheries and Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid has said.

He made the remarks on Wednesday (October 28) morning as chief guest at a workshop titled 'Annual Research Progress Review (2025-26) and Planning (2026-27)', organised by the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) in Dhaka.

The minister said Bangladesh is self-sufficient in fish today because of good research in the past. Farmed fish production, quality and feed management have improved greatly. But due to climate change and people's lack of awareness, the natural fish breeding grounds are now on the verge of destruction.

He said that on the direct instruction of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government is moving forward from this year with a large budget and a long-term plan to overcome this crisis.

Addressing researchers and scientists, the minister said research must be strengthened on native fish breeding, breed improvement and the recovery of lost species. He also directed them to ensure measures against the negative effects of climate change, disease prevention and quality fry production.

Calling for the potential of coastal and marine fisheries resources to be used, he said that to stop the use of harmful nets, initiatives are needed not only to enforce the law but also to raise awareness among people. Safe fish production must be emphasised by avoiding feed containing ingredients that are risky and harmful to the human body.

On exports, Minister Amin Ur Rashid said the government wants to export sufficient quantities of fish abroad in the coming days. But there will be no compromise on quality in the case of exports.

In his speech as special guest, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku said that alongside increasing fish production in the country, its quality must be ensured and existing obstacles in this field must be removed. Noting that the taste and quality of fish depend largely on water quality, he spoke of preventing pollution of water bodies and ensuring an environment suitable for fish to grow naturally.

The state minister also said that if water flow can be increased and waterlogging reduced through excavation of rivers and canals, a suitable environment for fish can be ensured. He called on everyone to work through joint initiatives to make the country's fisheries sector richer and take it forward.

Chaired by BFRI Director General Dr Md Latiful Islam, the event was also addressed by Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Delowar Hossain, Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation Chairman Md Mir Hossain, Department of Livestock Services Director General Md Shahzaman Khan and BARC Executive Chairman Dr Md Abdus Salam. BFRI Director Dr Md Amirul Islam delivered the welcome speech.

Teachers from various universities, senior ministry officials, BFRI scientists, Department of Fisheries officials and fisher representatives were present at the workshop.