We must keep pace with machines, or machines will take our work, DC tells fishermen

Chattogram District Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia wants Bangladeshi fish to be known in the world market as tasty fish. He said that if this can be achieved, it will change not only the lives of fishermen but also the country's economy.

The district commissioner said this while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of a training programme for fishermen in Chattogram on Monday (November 9).

Bangladesh's rivers and seas are home to many species of tasty fish. There is huge potential to expand their international market. He said there is no alternative to ensuring quality, using modern technology and increasing fishermen's skills, alongside raising production, to make use of this potential.

People's food habits and tastes are changing constantly. The new generation's preferences are also different from the previous generation's. So production must be planned keeping in mind which species are in greater demand at home and abroad. He said increasing production alone is not enough; the taste and quality of the fish must also be ensured.

Bangladesh is a riverine country. Its rivers and seas offer many species of tasty fish. Although fish is produced in many countries around the world, there is an opportunity to present the taste and diversity of Bangladeshi fish better in the international market. He said that using this opportunity will raise fishermen's incomes, improve their living standards and benefit the country's economy.

Stressing the use of modern technology, he said the fisheries sector can be taken further by producing more fish in less space, choosing the right feed and applying improved farming methods. But if Bangladesh cannot keep pace with rapidly changing technology, it may fall behind in the competition of the international market.

The district commissioner said, 'We have to keep pace with machines. Otherwise, machines will take our work.'

He noted that major changes may come in the conventional methods of fish farming and catching over the next five to ten years. Countries around the world are increasing production using modern technology. Bangladesh must also gain the ability to survive in that competition. For this, he said, regular training for fishermen along with increasing their technical knowledge is essential.

Expressing gratitude for fishermen's contributions, he said, 'We owe a great deal to all our fisherman brothers.' Fishermen catch fish risking their lives in stormy seas. Their hard work meets a large part of the country's people's protein needs. They have long experience and skill in catching fish. That skill needs to be enriched further through training, he said.

Calling for combining the knowledge gained through training with real experience, he said training gives new ideas, but fishermen themselves must take the initiative to apply those ideas in practice. Every farmer must plan how to increase production compared to the previous year.

Calling on trained fishermen to spread their knowledge to others, the district commissioner said it is not possible to train everyone directly. So those who are receiving training must share their experience and acquired knowledge with other fishermen. This will make it possible to increase overall fish production.

Informing about the district administration's initiative to educate fishermen's children in modern education, he said there is a plan to give scholarships to the meritorious children of the district's fishermen. Work is underway to prepare a specific standard based on students' results for this purpose.

He said, 'We are trying to arrange a scholarship for the children of our fisherman brothers.' The district commissioner said the world of the future will be even more technology-dependent. So it is important to send fishermen's children to school and educate them in modern education. If the new generation cannot acquire technical knowledge, it will fall behind in future competition.

In his speech, he also expressed concern over the spread of drugs. He said drugs are pushing individuals, families and society towards destruction. A social movement must be built to prevent drug use. At the same time, parents must keep an eye on their children's movements and activities.

The district commissioner said financial self-reliance alone is not the success of life. Ensuring that children grow up in a safe environment is also important. If families and society are not safe, the benefits of economic development cannot be fully enjoyed. Praising the district fisheries officer's work at the ceremony, he said he was impressed by the officer's warm relationship with fishermen during visits to fishing villages. He said such a relationship between government officials and ordinary people is how it should be.