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Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, has called for coordinated efforts by the government, private sector, researchers, entrepreneurs and fishers to ensure the sustainable development of Bangladesh’s fisheries sector.
In a message issued on the eve of National Fisheries Fortnight-2026, which begins tomorrow, he said collective action was essential to protect the country’s fisheries resources while increasing production, employment and economic opportunities.
Bangladesh has historically been rich in fisheries resources, with its rivers, canals, wetlands, haors, baors and other water bodies forming an important part of the country’s natural wealth, he said.
“Fish is deeply intertwined with our society, culture and festivals,” the Acting President said, noting that the fisheries sector also makes a significant contribution to the national economy and the livelihoods of millions of people.
He said fisheries play a vital role in meeting the country’s protein and nutritional needs, helping build a healthy and productive workforce while contributing to poverty reduction, employment generation and foreign exchange earnings.
The Acting President said the government was committed to ensuring the sustainable development of the sector and had undertaken various programmes in line with its electoral pledges.
Among the initiatives are the excavation and re-excavation of rivers, canals and water bodies and measures to conserve aquatic ecosystems, he said. Such efforts, he added, could create greater opportunities for increasing fish production while protecting the country’s fisheries resources.
The government has also taken policy and development measures aimed at improving the livelihoods and economic security of communities living in coastal areas, haor-baor regions and riverine areas, he said.
Fishers have been brought under the government’s Farmer Card distribution programme, while the policy of “Jaal Jar, Jola Tar”, meaning those who own the nets should have rights over the water bodies, is being implemented, according to the Acting President.
He also highlighted initiatives to develop improved fish varieties, increase the production of quality fish feed and expand fish processing industries.
At the same time, the government is pursuing measures to increase fish exports and capture a larger share of international markets, he said.
The Acting President stressed that ensuring the sustainable growth of fisheries would require more than increasing production. Improving the socioeconomic conditions of marginal fishers, ensuring fair prices for fish farmers and strengthening research, investment and innovation are also essential.
“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 said.
He expressed hope that the effective implementation of the government’s programmes would help protect fisheries resources, increase production and strengthen the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
The Acting President called upon all stakeholders, including fish farmers, fishers, traders, entrepreneurs, researchers and scientists, to work together with the government to achieve the desired development of the fisheries sector.
He extended greetings and congratulations to everyone associated with fisheries on the occasion of National Fisheries Fortnight-2026 and wished success to all programmes being organised to mark the event.