The government is implementing a nationwide fish release program to conserve indigenous species and increase overall fish production, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku MP said on Saturday.
He made the remarks after attending a fingerling release ceremony at the Bangladesh National Zoo lake in Dhaka.
The Department of Fisheries (DoF) organized the event to release fingerlings into water bodies at key institutions across the Dhaka metropolitan area under the 2026-27 fiscal year budget.
The state minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the program in Kishoreganj on the occasion of National Fisheries Fortnight. Following the inauguration, fingerlings are being released in various districts and upazilas across the country in phases.
“This drive is being implemented with the direct involvement of local lawmakers, public representatives, and fisheries officers,” Sultan Salauddin Tuku said, adding that the government’s primary goal is to increase fish production while saving indigenous species from extinction.
Highlighting steady growth in freshwater fish production, the state minister said there was no significant shortage of fish despite the country’s growing population.
He said efforts were continuing to increase production in line with demand, alongside a growing number of fish farmers.
To support marginal farmers, the government is providing various forms of assistance, he said, adding that fish farmers would soon be brought under the “Krishak Card” benefits scheme.
Initiatives are also underway to provide soft loans and financial incentives to strengthen the rural economy, he said.
Responding to a question about feed quality and antibiotic use, the state minister said public awareness campaigns were ongoing to ensure safe fish production.
The government is providing regular training to discourage unnecessary antibiotic use, while field-level officials are helping farmers adopt modern scientific techniques to reduce production costs and waste, he said.
“The government is keeping a close watch to ensure standard quality in fish feed. Regular mobile court drives are being conducted to curb low-quality feed manufacturing and marketing, protecting farmers and ensuring consumers receive safe fish,” he added.
Reserved seat Member of Parliament Ferdousi Ahmed, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) Md Shahzaman Khan, Director General of DoF Dr Md Khaled Kanak, Director of Bangladesh National Zoo Dr Md Shahinur Alam, DoF Dhaka Division Director Md Ahsan Hasib Khan, Central Poultry Farm Director Zinat Sultana, Zoo Curator Md Habibur Rahman, and Dhaka District Fisheries Officer Md Roknuzzaman were present.
Organised by the Dhaka District Fisheries Office, the event saw 250kg of fingerlings released into the National Zoo lake to preserve biodiversity and increase native fish production.
The release comprised 100kg of Rui, 75kg of Katla and 75kg of Kalibaus.
A total of roughly 2,575 fingerlings measuring 10-15cm were released, including 1,100 Rui, 600 Katla and 875 Kalibaus fingerlings.