Join govt efforts to develop fisheries sector: Acting President

Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad has called upon private institutions, organisations, entrepreneurs, researchers and fishers to join hands with the government for the sustainable development of the country’s fisheries sector.
He made the call in a message on Saturday to mark ‘National Fisheries Fortnight-2026’, due to be observed today.
Highlighting the sector’s importance to people’s livelihoods and protein needs, the Acting President said the current democratic government is committed to the sustainable development of the fisheries sector.
To fulfil its electoral pledges, the government has undertaken various programmes across the country for the excavation, re-excavation and conservation of rivers, canals and water bodies, he said, adding that these initiatives have created significant opportunities to increase overall fish production. He said various programmes, including policy support, had also been undertaken to improve livelihoods and ensure the economic security of people in coastal areas, haor-baor regions and riverine communities. Fishers have also been included in the government’s landmark ‘Farmer Card’ distribution programme, while the policy of ‘those who own the nets, own the water bodies (Jaal Jar, Jola Tar)’ is being implemented, he said.
Alongside developing improved fish varieties and expanding the production of quality feed and fish-processing industries, various plans are being adopted and implemented to increase fish exports, the Acting President said.
He expressed hope that the successful implementation of these initiatives would play an important role in ensuring the sustainable development of the country’s fisheries resources.
The Acting President stressed that there is no alternative to improving the socioeconomic conditions of marginal fishers, ensuring fair prices for fish farmers and marginal farmers, and strengthening research, investment and new initiatives in the sector. He called upon all concerned to work collectively with the government to achieve the desired development of the fisheries sector. The Acting President extended his sincere greetings and congratulations to all fish farmers, fishers, traders, entrepreneurs, fisheries researchers, scientists and others associated with the sector on the occasion.
He wished overall success to all programmes undertaken on the occasion.