As a partner organisation of ANB, Seafood Network Bangladesh (SNB) attended the workshop to cover industry developments and promote sector-wide knowledge sharing. Representatives from FISHBYTE, another ANB partner, were also present and participated actively in the discussions.

Broad Representation Across Government, Academia, and Industry

The event was chaired by Prof. Dr. Md. Monirul Islam (University of Dhaka / BFRF).
Mr. Abu Tahir Muhammed Zaber, Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, attended as Chief Guest.

Distinguished Special Guests included:

• Dr. Md. Abdur Rouf, Director General, Department of Fisheries
• Rear Admiral Dr. Khandakar Akhter Hossain, Vice-Chancellor, Bangladesh Marine University

The workshop began with a welcome session and an introduction to ANB delivered by Prof. Dr. Md. Lifat Rahi of Khulna University (BSFF).

ANB’s partner organizations represented at the event included Bangladesh Marine University (BMU), Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation (BSFF), Bangladesh Fisheries Research Forum (BFRF), private sector partner FISHBYTE.

Workshop Sessions and Key Presentations

The workshop aimed to:

• Share findings from recent regional dialogues with shrimp, finfish, hatchery, and smallholder farming communities.
• Facilitate policy-oriented discussions between government, researchers, industry, and field-level actors.
• Identify strategic priorities needed to guide a future National Aquaculture Policy.

Keynote presentations included:

• Dr. Md. Motaleb Hossain – Current status and advancement of Bangladesh’s aquaculture sector
• Prof. Dr. Md. Abdul Wahab – Why Bangladesh needs a National Aquaculture Policy
• Dr. Maria Zaman – Integrating Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) into aquaculture development

Following the technical session, a panel discussion and an open floor dialogue allowed participants to exchange practical perspectives on industry challenges, governance gaps, and policy opportunities.

Toward a More Sustainable and Inclusive Aquaculture Policy

The workshop concluded with shared expectations to:

• Establish clear and actionable policy priorities for sustainable aquaculture development.
• Strengthen knowledge-sharing mechanisms between government, academia, private sector, and farming communities.
• Enhance stakeholder networking to encourage coordinated sector growth.
• Develop practical, inclusive, and climate-resilient recommendations for the proposed National Aquaculture Policy of Bangladesh.

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The first training, “Pilot Capacity Building & Practical Field-Based Engagement and Demonstration for Farmers,” focused on smallholder aquaculture challenges. The second, “Nursery Pond Knowledge Building for Women & Practical Demonstration,” was exclusively dedicated to empowering women farmers with the knowledge and skills required to manage and operate nursery ponds as viable enterprises.

Both sessions combined classroom theory with extensive field demonstrations, allowing participants to learn about pond preparation, biosecurity, water quality testing (pH, alkalinity, salinity), feed management, disease prevention, and economic record-keeping. Farmers not only observed but also practiced techniques such as liming, fry handling, and water testing — a rare and invaluable opportunity that was deeply appreciated.

Participants expressed their heartfelt gratitude, noting that this was the first time they had received such detailed, hands-on guidance. Many shared that if they had been trained in this way earlier, their farming practices could have already improved significantly.

The trainings were facilitated by FISHBYTE adviser Mr. Taslim Mahmood, an internationally renowned Bangladeshi shrimp consultant with experience across Qatar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. His practical demonstrations and global expertise resonated strongly with the participants. The sessions also saw the presence of FISHBYTE’s founder, Zubair Khan, Seafood Network Bangladesh’s women empowerment coordinator, Rezwana Shafique, Shushilan’s Program Director, Satchinando Biswas, and Program Implementation & Technical Team Leader, Rajib Ghosh, among others. On the second day, the Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer attended the nursery pond training, expressing his satisfaction with the initiative.

These programs were part of Activity #6 under ANB (Aquaculture Network of Bangladesh) — a multi-stakeholder platform launched in February 2025 through its inaugural workshop in Dhaka, attended by national and international partners. ANB unites national NGOs, universities, private enterprises, and global research organizations to tackle Bangladesh’s aquaculture challenges collaboratively. Activity #6 is being supported by partners including Khulna University, Evolved Research & Consulting (ERC, UK), MacAlister Elliott & Partners (MEP, UK), and the UK Government’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas).

By highlighting both sustainable, nature-based shrimp farming and women’s empowerment in aquaculture, these trainings marked a meaningful step forward for the coastal communities of Paikgacha. With continued collaboration among partners, the ANB aims to scale such initiatives, creating resilient livelihoods and fostering equitable growth across Bangladesh’s aquaculture sector.

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As a proud member of ANB, Seafood Network Bangladesh (SNB) took part in the sessions, reinforcing its role as a platform that connects the seafood industry with knowledge, insight, and policy dialogue.

Diverse Representation Across the Sector

The workshop welcomed a strong list of participants, including:

• Government and Policy Leaders: Dr. Md. Abdur Rouf, Director General of the Department of Fisheries, alongside senior representatives from DoF.
• Research and Academia: Experts from Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI), Khulna University, Dhaka University, and Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU).
• International Partners: Specialists from Cefas (UK), WorldFish, and FAO Bangladesh.
• Private Sector Leaders: M. A. Hassan Panna (Desh Bangladesh Hatchery, Fahim Seafood), Burhan Uddin (Rowzan Feed & Agro), exporters, and processing industry representatives.
• Civil Society and Development Partners: Shushilan, Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation (BSFF), Jagorani Chakra Foundation (JCF), among others.

Key Issues and Insights

Sessions over the three days covered pressing issues for the aquaculture and seafood industry:

• Seed and biosecurity challenges in shrimp and other crustacean farming.
• Sustainable finfish production, especially tilapia and seabass.
• The role of policy and regulation in strengthening small-scale aquaculture.
• Capacity building and training opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, and industry workers.
• Partnerships and network resilience, ensuring continued collaboration among stakeholders.

Small group discussions allowed industry representatives, researchers, and policymakers to share challenges and propose solutions, helping shape a practical roadmap for Bangladesh’s aquaculture sector.

SNB’s Role

For Seafood Network Bangladesh, participating in the ANB workshop reflects its ongoing commitment to serve as an information hub for the seafood industry. By bringing real-time updates, sector insights, and knowledge exchange to professionals, SNB helps bridge the gap between policy, research, and market realities.

Through ANB, SNB will continue to highlight industry voices, share critical updates, and promote innovation that benefits farmers, processors, exporters, and the wider seafood community.

Moving Forward

The Dhaka workshop demonstrated that Bangladesh’s aquaculture and seafood industries are strongest when working together. With diverse stakeholders united under ANB, the path forward promises greater collaboration, innovation, and resilience—ensuring that aquaculture continues to contribute to food security, livelihoods, and the national economy.

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