Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim called upon all to put united efforts for protecting country’s fish resources .
He made the call while addressing an online meeting at the conference room of the Fisheries Directorate at Matsya Bhaban in the city on Tuesday afternoon, said a press release.
The minister said Bangabandhu had said that fish would be the second source of earning foreign currency . Due to various steps taken by the present government, fish has now become easily available in Bangladesh thus huge endangered native fishes have also been brought back.”
The minister lauded the roles of the department of fisheries, district administration, district police, naval police, coast guard, navy, air force, fishermen’s association and organizations saying the departments and organizations have played a significant role for protection of fish resources .
Speaking about some misleading information about the newly enacted Marine Fisheries Act, 2020, the Minister said no allegation of misuse of the Act has been received till date. Even steps would be taken if any incident of misuse of the act is found .
“Government field officials have worked hard despite the Corona pandemic situation. Due to their sincerity, concentration and dedication, the economic progress and development of the country have been possible ,” the minister said.
” When the economies of the world’s largest nations are declining, our country’s economic progress is growing for this, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also expressed her gratitude to the employees of the republic , ” he added.
Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Raunak Mahmud, Additional Secretary Shyamal Chandra Karmakar and Md. Taufiqul Arif, Director General of the Fisheries Kazi Shams Afroz, Additional Inspector General of naval police Md. Atiqul Islam, Director of fisheries and livestock information department, senior officials of the department of fisheries including representatives of the department, Bangladesh navy, Bangladesh coast guard, naval police, national fishermen’s association and Bangladesh Marine Fisheries Association were present at the meeting.
Besides, representatives of Public Security Department, Deputy Commissioners of Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Barguna, Patuakhali, Jhalokati, Barisal, Bhola, Laxmipur, Feni, Noakhali, Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar and Superintendents of Police and concerned Divisional and District Fisheries Officials participated in the meeting.
According to the Marine Fisheries Act, 2020, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has banned all types of fishing and plying of all types of fishing vessels in the river ways for a total of 65 days from May 20 , 2021 for proper breeding, production and conservation of fishes .
