The government has taken initiatives to increase the natural production of native fish and protect their breeding grounds, Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid has said.
Fish sanctuaries are being established in haors, baors, rivers and even the sea to protect fish populations and improve natural breeding, he said.
The minister made the remarks while addressing a workshop titled Annual Research Progress Review (2025-26) and Planning (2026-27), organised by the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Highlighting the country's tradition of fish consumption and the government's initiatives to develop the fisheries sector, Aminur Rashid said advances in research had helped Bangladesh achieve self-sufficiency in fish production.
He said significant progress had been made in farmed fish production, quality and feed management. However, climate change and a lack of public awareness had pushed natural fish breeding grounds towards destruction.
The government is moving forward with a substantial budget and long-term plans from this year to address the crisis, following direct instructions from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the minister said.
Addressing researchers and scientists, he called for stronger research into the breeding of native fish, the development of improved varieties and the recovery of species that have disappeared from local waters.
He also stressed the need for research to address the adverse effects of climate change, prevent fish diseases and ensure the production of quality fish fry.
Highlighting the potential of coastal and marine fisheries, the minister called for greater efforts to harness these resources. He said preventing the use of harmful fishing nets would require not only law enforcement but also greater public awareness.
He also urged stakeholders to ensure safe fish production by avoiding feed containing substances that could pose risks to human health.
Regarding exports, Aminur Rashid said the government wanted to increase fish exports in the coming years, stressing that quality standards would not be compromised under any circumstances.
Speaking as a special guest, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said increasing fish production must go hand in hand with ensuring quality.
He stressed the need to remove existing barriers to the sector's development, noting that the taste and quality of fish largely depend on water quality.
Alongside increasing production, he said, steps must be taken to prevent water pollution and ensure suitable conditions for fish to grow naturally.
He added that dredging rivers and canals to improve water flow and reduce waterlogging could help create a favourable environment for fish.
Calling for coordinated efforts, the state minister urged all stakeholders to work together to strengthen the country's fisheries sector.
The workshop was chaired by BFRI Director General Dr Md Latiful Islam.
Among those who addressed the event were Fisheries and Livestock Ministry Secretary Md Delwar Hossain, Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation Chairman Md Mir Hossain, Department of Livestock Services Director General Md Shahjahan Khan and BARC Executive Chairman Dr Md Abdus Salam.
University teachers, senior ministry officials, BFRI scientists, Department of Fisheries officials and representatives of fishermen also attended the event.
BFRI Director Dr Md Amirul Islam delivered the welcome address.
