The announcement comes as Bangladesh continues to consolidate its position among the world’s leading fish-producing nations. According to the latest official statistics, the country ranks third globally in inland capture fisheries production and fifth in aquaculture production. Fish remains the country’s primary source of animal protein, with per capita fish consumption reaching 62.58 grams per day, exceeding the nationally recommended daily intake of 60 grams.

Presented by Finance and Planning minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, the FY2026–27 budget maintains strong public investment in fisheries despite broader fiscal pressures. The proposed allocation reflects a strategic transition from production-driven growth toward value addition, sustainability, climate resilience, and export competitiveness.

Under the proposed budget, BDT 604.69 crore (approximately USD 50.5 million) has been allocated for fisheries development, while BDT 1,116.98 crore (approximately USD 93.4 million) has been earmarked for livestock development. In addition, BDT 2,022 crore (approximately USD 169 million) has been proposed for operational expenditures, supporting extension services, technical assistance, regulatory functions, and sector-wide administration.

The government has set an ambitious target of producing 5.635 million metric tonnes of fish during FY2026–27. To support this seafood export / aquaculture export goal, the budget places significant emphasis on Bangladesh’s Blue Economy agenda, including the expansion of commercial deep-sea fishing targeting high-value pelagic species such as tuna, the promotion of coastal seaweed cultivation, and the sustainable utilization of marine resources to diversify production and seafood exports.

A major highlight of the budget is its focus on strengthening the resilience and sustainability of the aquaculture sector. Bangladesh is set to introduce its first fisheries insurance scheme, providing financial protection against climate-related losses and disease outbreaks that affect commercial fish farming. The government also plans to accelerate the mechanization of commercial aquaculture operations and promote science-based production technologies for indigenous fish species to improve productivity while conserving aquatic biodiversity.

Further investments will strengthen hatchery and nursery management, improve the quality and traceability of aquaculture feed, and expand technical support services for fish farmers across the country. These measures are expected to enhance production efficiency, improve biosecurity, reduce operational risks, and align Bangladesh’s aquaculture industry more closely with international food safety and sustainability standards.

For international seafood buyers, processors, and investors, the FY2026–27 budget signals Bangladesh’s growing ambition to become a reliable and competitive supplier in the global seafood market. By combining investments in sustainable aquaculture, marine fisheries, climate resilience, and export-oriented value chains, the government is positioning the fisheries sector not only as a cornerstone of national food security but also as a key driver of economic growth and Blue Economy development.

As global demand for responsibly produced seafood sky rocketing, Bangladesh’s latest budget demonstrates a strategic shift beyond increasing production volumes toward building a modern, resilient, and internationally competitive fisheries industry capable of meeting the evolving expectations of global markets.

Md. Shofiullah
Student, Department of Oceanography
Noakhali Science and Technology University

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