Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter on Monday emphasised the importance of protecting fish resources, saying that exporting fish can contribute to foreign currency earnings.
The adviser stressed that Bangladesh has gained international recognition for its fish, especially hilsa. "No other country produces hilsa like Bangladesh, and even if they do, the taste does not compare to ours," she said while visiting the Dakkhin Char Goalini Ideal Fishing Village in Monpura upazila of Bhola and holding a discussion with local fishermen.
Addressing the fishing community, she highlighted that expatriates play a significant role in strengthening the economy through remittances, and similarly, fishermen can contribute by ensuring sustainable fish production and exports.
She explained that restrictions are imposed during the breeding season to allow fish to spawn and grow naturally. While fishermen generally comply, some traders violate these regulations by encouraging fishing during the ban period. To prevent such illegal activities, the Coast Guard and the River Police are actively working, she noted.
Restoring rivers challenging but possible: Adviser Rizwana
Addressing Monpura’s fishermen, she said, "If we work together, we can bring about positive change. Fisheries officials regularly discuss your challenges and opportunities, even in Dhaka. However, hearing directly from you is different, which is why I am here today."
The adviser also emphasised that merely issuing cyclone warnings is not enough; it is the government’s duty to protect fishermen. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock will distribute life jackets, lifebuoys, and torchlights to ensure their safety, she added.
She urged the fishing community to diversify their livelihoods by engaging in agriculture, poultry, and livestock farming to achieve greater financial stability.
When the fishermen raised concerns about the lack of cyclone shelters, tube wells, schools, and poor road conditions in Monpura, the adviser assured them that she would convey these issues to the relevant ministries.
Recognising that both human-induced and natural disasters pose significant challenges to fishermen, she said, “To deal with natural disasters, the suffering of fishermen will be alleviated by digging canals,” instructing the local administration to reduce the violence of robbers in the river and sea.
Later, the adviser distributed life jackets, lifebuoys, and torchlights among 80 fishermen.