State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku has stressed the need to focus on exporting freshwater fish alongside marine fishing to strengthen Bangladesh’s fisheries sector and contribute to economic development.

He made the remarks on Tuesday (29 September) while speaking as the chief guest at a fish fingerling release programme held at the Curzon Hall pond of Dhaka University (DU) to mark National Fisheries Fortnight.

The Department of Fisheries Science at DU organised the programme under the theme, “A Nation Self-Reliant through Fisheries; Bangladesh Comes First.”

Sultan Salauddin Tuku said, “The fisheries sector plays a vital role in the country’s economic development. We, the government is working to increase fish production and develop fisheries resources while restoring the navigability of rivers and canals and keeping them free from pollution.”

“Alongside fishing in the deep sea, we have to focus on exporting freshwater fish. The government is also working in this regard,” he said.

The state minister said restoring the navigability of rivers and canals is essential for increasing fish production and developing fisheries resources. He said the government has already launched a nationwide canal excavation programme to achieve these goals.

He also called upon all concerned to work together for the development of the fisheries sector and to build a self-reliant Bangladesh.

DU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof Mohammad Almujaddade Alfasane attended the programme as the guest of honour. He said everyone must work together to develop the fisheries sector and fulfil the aspirations of building a new Bangladesh.

Prof Alfasane also urged all concerned to cooperate in effectively implementing the initiatives taken by the government.

Mohammad Mamun Chowdhury, chairman of the Department of Fisheries Science, presided over the programme. Dr Md Khaled Kanak, acting director general of the Department of Fisheries, attended as a special guest.

Prof Wahida Haque, convener of the organising committee, delivered the welcome address, while Rokeya Akter, a lecturer in the department, moderated the programme.

Later, the state minister and the DU Pro-Vice-Chancellor, along with other guests, released fish fry into the Curzon Hall pond. Teachers and students of the Department of Fisheries Science were present at the programme.