Terming the Kaptai Lake a valuable national resource, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter on Monday stressed the need for its protection and preservation.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of a fish fry release and VGF rice distribution programme held at the Rangamati BFDC Fish Landing Centre on Monday, she said that modernising the Kaptai Lake and establishing new landing spots could significantly boost fish production.
Farida Akhter this would not only meet domestic demand but also open up opportunities for fish export from the lake.
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She said thousands of fishing families, small traders, and others connected to the lake depend on it for their livelihood. “While increasing fish production in Kaptai Lake, we must also develop the lake in a way that brings socio-economic progress for all those involved, including the fishermen and traders.”
The Kaptai Lake Fisheries Development and Marketing Centre organised the vent.
Presided over by Additional Secretary of the Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC), Suraiya Akhter, the ceremony was also attended by Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Md Tofazzal Hossain, Chairman of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board Major General (retd) Anup Kumar Chakma, Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Habib Ullah, and Superintendent of Police Dr SM Farhad Hossain, among others.
Representing the fishers’ community, fish trader Mahfuz Uddin delivered the welcome address.
Farida Akhter also expressed concern over the issue of extortion, which often hinders the activities of local fishermen and traders in the lake area, and assured that the government will take effective measures to stop such practices.
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The adviser mentioned that although there were once 86 species of fish in the lake, the number has decreased to 66, and urged fishermen and traders to work sincerely to increase fish production.
Later, Farida Akhter and other dignitaries released carp fry into the Kaptai Lake, and inaugurated the distribution of VGF rice to 26,651 unemployed fishing families, marking the beginning of support activities during the fishing ban period.