PM Tarique Rahman yesterday inaugurated National Fisheries Week-2026 in Kishoreganj, calling for greater development of the fisheries sector to help build a self-reliant and welfare-oriented Bangladesh.
The prime minister formally opened the week at the George Institution Mini Stadium in Achmita Union of Katiadi upazila. The nationwide fisheries week is being observed from August 16 to 30 under the theme, “A self-sufficient country through silver fish, Bangladesh first.”
Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku and State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam welcomed the prime minister upon his arrival at the stadium amid rain.
At the inaugural ceremony, PM Tarique Rahman handed over the National Fisheries Medal (Gold) to 14 individuals and organisations in 13 categories for their outstanding contributions to the fisheries sector.
The recipients were recognised for achievements in fisheries production, research, technological innovation, extension services, administrative efficiency and entrepreneurship development.
Earlier in the day, the prime minister released fish fry into the Old Brahmaputra River at Mirzapur Chairman Bari Ghat in Pakundia at around 11:30am. He also distributed fish fry among local residents and exchanged greetings with people in the area.
Speaking at a public gathering, Tarique said his government was committed to establishing Bangladesh as a welfare state and underscored the importance of strengthening productive sectors, including fisheries.
Later, he visited the Katiadi Carp Hatchery Complex before joining the fisheries week inauguration and award ceremony at the Achmita George Institution field.
National Fisheries Week is being observed across districts and upazilas with a range of programmes, including rallies, discussions, seminars, fish fairs, fish-fry releases, technology exhibitions, awareness campaigns and recognition of successful fish farmers.
The programmes aim to promote safe fish production, sustainable management of fisheries resources, modern technology-based aquaculture and greater public awareness of the nutritional value of fish.
Mohammed Aminur Rashid presided over the inaugural ceremony.
State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, State Minister for Local Government Shahe Alam, State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam, Kishoreganj-2 MP Jalal Uddin, Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Delwar Hossain and Department of Fisheries Director General Dr Md Khaled Kanak, among others, attended the event.
The prime minister was also scheduled to inaugurate a tree-planting programme at Sholakia Eidgah and attend a Family Card distribution programme at the old Kishoreganj Stadium later in the day.
Honorariums were also scheduled to be provided to religious figures, including imams, muezzins, priests, monks and pastors, as part of the government’s wider social-support initiatives.
