At a seminar held at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), Farida Akhter called for urgent measures to protect Bangladesh’s native fish species. The programme was organised by the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI).
She said the number of open waterbodies in the country is shrinking fast, which is a major threat to fish production. “We must identify important waterbodies, set up sanctuaries, and make sure our policies directly deal with these challenges. Protecting open-water fisheries is the only way to secure our biodiversity for the future,” she urged.
Farida Akhter also warned that many native fish are facing the risk of genetic extinction. She reminded that fish are an essential part of the Bangladeshi diet and conserving them is important not only for the country but also for global fisheries.
Highlighting the achievements of BFRI, she said the institute has successfully restored 41 local fish species that were once close to extinction, out of a total of 64 species under threat.
She also expressed concern about harmful fishing practices, such as the use of poison and electricity, which destroy aquatic life. Pollution, especially from plastics, is worsening the problem. “The recent global meeting on plastic waste could not reach an agreement. Since the proposed treaty was harmful for both people and nature, Bangladesh did not sign it,” she explained.
The seminar was chaired by BFRI Director General Dr Anuradha Bhadra and attended by senior officials, scientists, fishers, and other guests.
