Speakers here affirmed that Bangladesh has been marching successfully on the way to achieve self-reliance on fish production during the tenure of the present government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Fisheries experts said this while addressing a discussion organised by Sadar upazila administration after releasing fish fries in the 13-kilometre long Rangpur district part of the Teesta Barrage Project canal under Kholeya union on Monday afternoon.
The fish fries were released under a comprehensive programme of releasing fingerlings by the Sadar Upazila Fisheries Department to water bodies including flood plains, canal, submerged rice fields, ponds and ‘beels’ for boosting fish production.
Deputy Commissioner Rahat Anwar attended the ceremony and released fish fries to the canal as the chief guest with Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ziaur Rahman in the chair.
Sadar upazila Chairman Nasima Zaman Boby and District Fisheries Officer Dr Zillur Rahman were present as special guests.
Chairman of Kholeya union Faruk Mian, President of Kholeya Fisheries
Cooperative Samity Nurul Islam, General Secretary Akheruzzaman Bullet also addressed the occasion moderated by Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Mahfuzur Rahman.
Dr Zillur Rahman said the country produced 36.84 lakh tonnes fish during 2014-15 against annual demand of 42 lakh tonnes as its production was increasing by one lakh tonnes annually to achieve self-reliance within tenure of the present government.
“The government has been implementing massive programmes for extension of fish farming in rural areas,” he said and assured of providing assistance to the cooperative societies and private sector entrepreneurs for boosting fish production.
Dr Rahman stressed on boosting fish production along with protecting natural breeding grounds, stopping catch of smaller fishes to preserve extinct and indigenous fish species to achieve self-reliance by the rural people.
The chief guest emphasized on bringing all ponds, tinny water bodies, canals, ‘beels’, ‘haors’ and flood plains under fish cultivation using the latest technologies to ensure best use of all existing natural resources.
“After achieving self-reliance on rice production, the present government has put due emphasis on meeting nutritional demand of the population by increasing production of fish, meat, milk and eggs throughout the country,” he said.
