In a press conference held at Matsya Bhaban on the occasion of National Fisheries Week-2023, he said, “By 2041, the government plans to produce 8.5 million tons of fish, almost two times more than current production.”

Bangladesh, however, has achieved several remarkable successes in the present days. There has been a six-fold increase in fish production in Bangladesh over the past 38 years. The fisheries sector’s GDP grew by 5.74 percent. It contributes 3.57 percent to the country’s total GDP and 26.50 percent to its agricultural GDP.

Fish and fisheries products from Bangladesh are exported to 52 countries and the government received US $422.28 million from exports in fiscal year 2022-2023. The fisheries sector employs more than 19 million people directly or indirectly.

In order to achieve this remarkable success, the government has taken several effective initiatives. “The government has taken a number of steps to ensure that the fish produced in the country is safe to consume,” said the minister.

Furthermore, the minister provided assurances regarding the increase in fish production. “The smart fisheries sector will use innovative technology in the processes of production, marketing, processing, and exporting and the ministry is working towards contributing most to the development of a smart Bangladesh,” he added.

However, the government had previously built laboratories of international standards in the country in order to produce and export healthy and safe fish. Furthermore, the government provides agricultural loans with easy terms and low-interest rates to those who wish to pursue the versatile use of fish. To increase the country’s fish production, the government is working on both conventional and non-conventional approaches.

“Previously, we were focused on increasing fish production, but now we are focused on creating a “smart Bangladesh” through increased healthy and safe fish production,” said Rezaul.

In terms of freshwater fish production, Bangladesh currently ranks third in the world. The country is the largest producer of Hilsa (currently, 571 thousand metric tons of Hilsa are produced). A total of 500,000 tons of this national fish have been produced in the last 12 years, an increase of more than twice. It is the world’s leading producer of Hilsa. It is estimated that Bangladesh produces 80 percent of the total amount of Hilsa.

The minister is hoping that with the help of new initiatives from the government, fish production will achieve new milestones by 2041.

Bangladesh’s fisheries sector continues to contribute significantly to the food and nutrition security of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian products, entrepreneurship, job creation, poverty alleviation, and the rural economy of the country. The increase in production will undoubtedly improve the economic progress and prosperity of rural areas.

Jaber Bin Abdul Bari
Department of Oceanography, NSTU

The post Government sets ambitious aims to double the fish production by 2041 appeared first on Seafood Network BD.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the theme of National Fisheries Week in 2023 is “Nirapad Mache Bharabo Desh, Gorbo Smart Bangladesh (Let’s fill the country with safe fish production and Build the Smart Bangladesh)”.

The ministry has planned various programs on the event at the central, district, and upazila levels. To carry out the field-level programs, district, hill district, and upazila committees have been established. Several press conferences, TVCs, talk shows, and other events will be planned during this national fisheries week.

Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI), Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC), WorldFish, Navy, Frozen Food Export Association, Fish Industries Association, Bangladesh Fish and shrimp Foundation and Bangladesh Marine Fisheries Association will be included in the effort to carry out national fisheries week activities.

Today at 8:00 am on Manik Mia Avenue in the capital, a rally is supposed to take place as part of the program’s opening day. Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim will attend the event as the chief guest.

Additionally, a press conference will be held by the Fisheries and Livestock Ministry at 10:30 am at Matsya Bhavan. The DOF, BFDC, and Navy will hold a vibrant naval rally at Hatirjheel that day at 4:00 p.m.

On July 25, honorable speaker, the Bangladesh National Assembly will release fries as part of a festival in the lake at the Bhaban of the Bangladesh National Assembly.


On July 26, the third day of the week, the honorable president of Bangladesh will release fish fries in Bangabhaban Lake.

On July 27, BFRI is going to organize a research symposium and release rui fry in specific aquatic body of Haor region.

Throughout the week, the ministry will also host a variety of local and national events all throughout the nation to recognize 21 people and organizations for their contributions to fish farming. Electronic media outlets are airing a week-long program stressing the significance of Fisheries Week.

In addition to this, the division, district, and upazilla level fisheries related unit office will put on a number of events such rallies, news conferences, debate forums, award ceremonies, and training and workshop sessions for the recipients.

Additionally, the National Fisheries Week district and upazilla level programs last a full week and include conducting public awareness campaigns, putting up banners and festoons, showing documentaries on the advancements and successes of the current administration in the fisheries sector, holding mobile courts to enforce fisheries laws, offering advice to farmers about fish farming, and distributing fish farming supplies to the farmers.

Farhana Islam
Agriculturist, Researcher
Fisheries Resource Management, CVASU

The post Bangladesh “National Fisheries Week, 2023” starts from today appeared first on Seafood Network BD.