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Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid has announced plans to expand fish sanctuaries across haors and wetlands to boost the breeding and production of native freshwater species, alongside efforts to abolish the existing lease system for water bodies.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday (August 8) after inspecting the venue of National Fisheries Week 2026 at Achmita George Institute Mini Stadium in Katiadi, Kishoreganj, he said the government is working on a new framework to protect local interests and ensure sustainable management of aquatic resources.
He noted that indigenous fish were once abundant in the country’s haors, rivers, and wetlands, but have declined due to pesticide use, chemical fertilizers, habitat destruction, and the loss of natural breeding grounds.
To address this, the government plans to create safe habitats for fish by excavating deep wetlands where they can breed and grow naturally. “Protecting fish eggs and fry will help increase production in a sustainable way,” he said, adding that sanctuary-based conservation will be further strengthened.
Responding to concerns about microplastics in fish, the Minister said the issue is global, with traces already found in marine water and fish worldwide. Bangladesh will take necessary steps based on international research and decisions, while also coordinating with the Environment Ministry.
On the use of harmful fine-mesh “current nets,” he warned that these capture everything from juvenile fish to other aquatic species, damaging biodiversity and disrupting natural reproduction. Administrative measures are being taken to curb their use, but public awareness and cooperation remain crucial.
He added that during breeding seasons, when fishing bans are enforced, the government considers the livelihoods of fishermen by preparing lists of affected individuals and providing food assistance.
“We want Bangladesh to regain its heritage as a country of fish,” he said, emphasizing that restoring fish abundance in haors, rivers, and wetlands remains a priority.
The Minister also confirmed that legal reforms are underway to replace the existing water-body leasing system with a framework that better serves local communities and balances agriculture and fisheries management. The proposed law is expected to be placed in parliament.
Earlier, he visited several potential sites in Pakundia, including the Old Brahmaputra River, Bahadia Pathanbari Ghat, and areas near Mirzapur Government Primary School, to review preparations for releasing fish fry as part of National Fisheries Week 2026.
State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam, MP Advocate Jalal Uddin, Fisheries Secretary Md Delwar Hossain, and other senior officials were present during the visit.