State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku today (29 September) stressed the need to increase fish production and develop the fisheries sector to preserve the traditional Bengali identity of "Mache-Bhate Bangali".
"Bangladesh has made significant progress in fish production, but we need to further strengthen our position globally," Tuku said while addressing a fish fry release programme and discussion meeting at the University of Dhaka.
The Department of Fisheries organised the programme at the Professor Mohammad Shafi Auditorium of the university's Fisheries Science Building.
Highlighting the sector's economic potential, Tuku said fisheries offer extensive employment opportunities and contribute significantly to the national economy.
He said former President Ziaur Rahman had recognised the potential of the sector and taken initiatives to develop fisheries through canal excavation and encouraging fish farming.
Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia subsequently introduced National Fisheries Fortnight, while Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has continued canal excavation programmes aimed at increasing fish production, he added.
The state minister said many rivers across the country have lost their navigability, adding that initiatives were underway to restore their navigability and reduce pollution.
He also stressed the importance of expanding deep-sea fishing, saying it could make a significant contribution to the national economy.
Addressing students of the Department of Fisheries, Tuku encouraged them to build their careers in the sector, noting its growing importance worldwide.
He called for concerted efforts to make fisheries education more modern, effective and relevant to future needs while ensuring the conservation and sustainable development of aquatic resources.
Professor Wahida Haque, chair of the Department of Fisheries at the University of Dhaka, chaired the programme.
Earlier, Tuku released fish fry into a pond at Curzon Hall on the university campus.
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