Dhaka: Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today emphasized that environmental assessments must extend beyond ecological factors to incorporate the livelihoods and cultural identities of fishermen, along with institutional acknowledgment of their labor. She stressed the importance of this approach for Bangladesh, a country with rich aquatic biodiversity, to conserve natural fisheries resources and ensure social protection for fishing communities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Farida made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of the 7th Center for Sustainable Development Conference 2025, held at Six Seasons Hotel. The event was jointly organized by the Center for Sustainable Development and the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB). Farida noted that a significant portion of the country's animal protein is sourced from fish, eggs, and other animal products, largely produced by small-scale farmers, many of whom are women. However, she pointed out that their contributions have yet to receive adequate recognition at the policy-making level.
Farida highlighted that Bangladesh's maritime area spans 118,813 square kilometers, and despite its rich aquatic biodiversity, the country's marine fishery resources are underutilized. She also mentioned that inadequate culverts for infrastructural development and road construction are obstructing water flow in many areas, adversely affecting fish migration and natural production systems.
The adviser stated that various plans have been adopted for fishery conservation, including initiatives like declaring Marine Protected Areas. However, she called for these initiatives to be implemented in a more coordinated and organized manner. She warned that Bangladesh's natural and marine fish diversity is increasingly threatened by pollution, especially from plastics and industrial waste, which jeopardizes fish life and food security.
The conference also featured Switzerland Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Renggli and Saida Madiha Murshed, Member of ULAB Board of Trustees, as guests. Professor Imran Rahman, Vice-Chancellor of ULAB, delivered the welcome address, while Professor Sharmind Nilormi of Jahangirnagar University gave the keynote presentation. Policymakers, development partners, and students from various universities attended the event.