Experts at a national workshop in Dhaka have stressed that Bangladesh urgently needs a comprehensive National Aquaculture Policy to safeguard sustainable growth in the country’s fast-expanding aquaculture sector.

They warned that without an updated policy framework, emerging environmental, biosecurity, and climate-related challenges could undermine future progress at the national workshop held on Sunday at the Sheraton Dhaka.

The event was organised by the Aquaculture Network of Bangladesh (ANB) with support from SEAFAAS, Evolved Research Consulting, and MacAlister Elliott & Partners (UK).

Policymakers, researchers, industry entrepreneurs, farmers, and representatives from development agencies participated in the workshop.

Speakers said that Bangladesh’s aquaculture industry has grown significantly in recent years. However, the sector faces rising challenges, including environmental degradation, disease outbreaks, biosecurity risks, and increasing vulnerabilities in coastal shrimp, prawn, and crab farming.

They mentioned that the existing National Fisheries Policy of 1998 provides broad guidance but is no longer sufficient to address current demands and emerging threats.

Professor Md Lifat Rahi of Khulna University’s Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Resources Technology inaugurated the workshop while Md Motaleb Hossain, director (Inland), Department of Fisheries presented the keynote paper.

Another keynote, titled “Steps toward Sustainable Aquaculture Growth: The Need for a National Policy for Bangladesh,” was presented by Professor Md Abdul Wahab of Bangladesh Maritime University.

Rear Admiral Khondkar Akhter Hossain, vice-chancellor of Bangladesh Maritime University, attended the event as a special guest.

A panel discussion, moderated by Professor Md Mostafizur Rahman Mondol, dean of the Faculty of Fisheries, University of Rajshahi, featured Helena Khatun, Faruqul Islam (country representative, WorldFish Bangladesh), Mohammad Jiah Haydar Chowdhury (additional director general, Department of Fisheries), Sajjad Hossain (president, Mymensingh Fish Farm and Hatchery Owners’ Association), and Mohammad Tariq Sarkar (managing director, Fishtech Hatchery).

Stakeholders, including government representatives, hatchery owners, and women leaders called for prioritising climate resilience, gender equality, inclusive development, and marine spatial planning in the formulation of a national aquaculture policy.

In his closing remarks, Md Abu Taher Muhammad Zaber, secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring sustainable aquaculture development.

The event was also attended by Md Abdur Rauf, director general of the Department of Fisheries, as a special guest.