Photo: Collected
State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku MP has said fish production must be increased further to uphold the Bangalee tradition of fish and rice.
He said Bangladesh is considerably ahead in fish production in the world. This position has to be taken further forward.
He said this while speaking as the chief guest at a fish fry release and discussion meeting organised this morning by the Department of Fisheries of Dhaka University on the occasion of National Fisheries Fortnight. The meeting was held at the Professor Mohammad Shafi Auditorium of the Fisheries building.
The state minister said the scope of the fisheries sector is very large and the employment opportunities here are also wide. At one time people did not give much importance to this sector, but as days go by people are realising its importance all the more and coming to know about its scope.
He said the fisheries sector is capable of playing a big role in Bangladesh’s economy. The proclaimer of independence, martyred President Ziaur Rahman, had realised the matter. Through the canal excavation programme, he took the initiative to advance the fisheries sector and enrich the country with fisheries resources, and also inspired people to take up fish farming.
He further said that in continuation of this, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia started the Fisheries Fortnight. Later, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman adopted the canal excavation programme to increase fish production.
On the navigability and pollution of rivers, the state minister said the navigability of many rivers has now been destroyed. Steps have been taken to make the rivers pollution-free and restore navigability. Mentioning that the government has also taken initiatives in deep-sea fishing, he said if Bangladesh becomes capable of deep-sea fishing, it will play a huge role in the country’s economy.
Addressing the students, he said there are bright prospects in the fisheries sector in the Bangladesh of the future; students will be able to advance themselves in this sector in building their careers and lives. Different countries of the world are now attaching great importance to the fisheries sector. He remarked that the prospects and importance of this sector must be learnt through the pursuit of knowledge, and that the combined efforts of all are needed to make fisheries education more effective and up to date for the protection and development of fisheries resources in future.
Professor Wahida Haque, chairman of the Department of Fisheries of Dhaka University, presided over the programme. The university’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam was present as the guest of honour. Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr Md Khaled Kanak was the special guest.
Earlier, the state minister for fisheries and livestock released fish fry in the pond of Dhaka University’s Curzon Hall.
