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State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku, MP, has emphasised the need to further increase fish production to uphold the traditional Bengali identity of “Mache-Bhate Bangali” (Bengalis thrive on fish and rice).
He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a fish fry release programme and discussion meeting organised by the Department of Fisheries at the University of Dhaka on the occasion of National Fisheries Fortnight. The discussion was held at the Professor Mohammad Shafi Auditorium of the Fisheries Science Building.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s position in global fisheries production, the state minister said the country had made significant progress in fish production and needed to further strengthen its position globally.
“The fisheries sector is vast and offers extensive employment opportunities,” he said. “Although people once paid less attention to this sector, they are increasingly realising its importance and vast potential.”
He emphasised the significant contribution of the fisheries sector to the national economy, saying the Proclaimer of Independence, the late President Ziaur Rahman, had recognised the sector’s potential.
“Through his canal excavation programme, President Ziaur Rahman took initiatives to develop the fisheries sector and enrich Bangladesh through its aquatic resources while encouraging people to engage in fish farming,” he said.
The state minister added that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia subsequently introduced National Fisheries Fortnight as a continuation of these efforts, while Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had further undertaken canal excavation programmes aimed at increasing fish production.
Addressing the issues of river navigability and pollution, Tuku said many rivers across the country had lost their navigability. He said government initiatives were underway to restore the navigability of rivers and free them from pollution.
He also said steps had been taken to promote deep-sea fishing.
“If Bangladesh can successfully expand its capacity for deep-sea fishing, it could make a significant contribution to the country’s economy,” he said.
Addressing students of the Department of Fisheries, the state minister said the sector held promising prospects for the future and encouraged them to build their careers in it.
He said countries around the world were increasingly prioritising the fisheries sector and called for concerted efforts to make fisheries education more effective, modern and relevant to future needs, while ensuring the conservation and development of aquatic resources.
The event was chaired by Professor Wahida Haque, Chair of the Department of Fisheries at the University of Dhaka.
University of Dhaka Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr A. B. M. Obaidul Islam attended the programme as the guest of honour, while Dr Md Khaled Kanak, Director General of the Department of Fisheries, attended as a special guest.
Earlier, State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku released fish fry into the pond at Curzon Hall on the University of Dhaka campus.