Lakshmipur: A three-day fair showcasing “Fisheries Products” innovated by local fishermen commenced on the premises of Sadar upazila council today. Deputy Director (DD) of the Department of Fisheries (DoF) of Chittagong Division, M Anwar Hossen, inaugurated the event with a ceremonial tape-cutting and balloon release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the fair features participation from fishermen across five districts, including Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Feni, Noakhali, and Lakshmipur. The event boasts 50 stalls, exhibiting a variety of products manufactured by the fishermen, such as dry fish, curd, agricultural products, and Shitol pati. Additionally, winter season pithas are on display for attendees.
The Ministry of Finance and Social Development Foundation have jointly organized the fair under the sustainable coastal and marine fisheries project. Following the inauguration, a discussion meeting took place at the upazila council premises, chaired by Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) M Jamshed Alam Rana. Prominent speakers included District Fisheries Officer Mohammad Bilal Hossain, Sadar Upazila Assistant Commissioner (land) Avi Das, Deputy Project Director M Mizanur Rahman, Senior Assistant Director of District Fisheries Office M Jashim Uddin, and Sadar Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer M Mahmudul Islam.
“We have organized the fair to provide alternative employment for the fishermen,” stated DD of the DoF. He highlighted that the fair aims to display and market products invented by the fishermen. Noting the financial challenges faced by many fishermen, he emphasized the fair’s goal of fostering self-reliance through training in manufacturing diverse commodities. The event also aims to revive some outdated items familiar to the public, reintroducing them to the new generation.