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The government has intensified efforts to protect indigenous fish species and conserve aquatic biodiversity through a range of conservation, research and habitat restoration initiatives, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid told Parliament on Tuesday.
Responding to a question during the Jatiya Sangsad session, the minister said a comprehensive strategy has been adopted, focusing on the establishment of fish sanctuaries, restocking open water bodies with native fish fry, protection of breeding grounds, stronger law enforcement and expanded scientific research.
“The government has taken wide-ranging measures to address the risks facing indigenous fish species and ensure their long-term conservation,” he said.
According to the minister, 669 fish sanctuaries have been established across rivers and inland open water bodies, covering 1,195.91 hectares. These sanctuaries are being managed with the involvement of local communities.
He highlighted that a 40-kilometre stretch of the Halda River—from Nazirhat Bridge in Fatikchhari to the Halda-Karnaphuli confluence and Kalurghat Bridge—has been declared a sanctuary to protect vital aquatic resources.
In Moulvibazar, 10 permanent fish sanctuaries are being maintained across three upazilas, he added.
To strengthen conservation efforts, the government has introduced the “Guidelines for Establishment and Management of Fish Sanctuaries in Inland Open Waters, 2026”.
The minister said indigenous fish fry are regularly released into open water bodies, while beel nurseries are established annually to boost natural fish production.
A total of 947 beel nurseries were set up in the 2024–25 fiscal year under both revenue and development programmes.
He also noted that the government has implemented a project titled “Conservation and Development of Indigenous Fish Species and Snails” to enhance the production of native species.
To support natural breeding, fishing is banned for 30 days each year—from May 29 to June 28—in seven haor districts.
Authorities are also strictly enforcing fisheries laws, including action against destructive illegal gear such as current nets.
The Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) is playing a key role through research, the minister said, adding that breeding and culture technologies have been developed for 41 indigenous species, including pabda, gulsha, shing, magur, bheda and mahashol.
Bangladesh is home to 261 indigenous fish species, underscoring the importance of sustained conservation efforts, he added.