Dhaka: Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has emphasized the need for the Department of Fisheries (DoF) to adopt more sustainable initiatives while maintaining strong international cooperation. She made these remarks as the chief guest at a programme titled “Terminal Workshop: Community-based Climate Resilient Fisheries and Aquaculture Development in Bangladesh” held at Hotel InterContinental in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Farida Akhter expressed hope that Bangladesh would play an even more active role in the future at international platforms, including those hosted in Brazil. She noted that while a project may formally end, the work continues, and true success lies in achieving project goals, evaluating outcomes, and planning the next steps.
The adviser addressed the ongoing crisis of climate change, stating that its impacts are intensifying each day. She pointed out that carbon emissions remain high because richer nations have not taken adequate measures to curb the use of fossil fuels. Therefore, she stressed that Bangladesh must focus on both adaptation and strong preventive measures.
Discussing the challenges faced by disaster-prone areas in the South, Farida highlighted the natural climate resilience demonstrated by the people of Bangladesh through their strength, spirit, and determination. She underscored the importance of expanding climate-resilient fisheries in coastal regions, including Sunamganj, Habiganj, and Bagerhat.
Farida Akhter also highlighted the need to jointly strengthen the conservation efforts of Baghada-Galda (tiger shrimp and freshwater prawn) wild diversity and improve local livelihoods. She emphasized the importance of conducting impact studies to ensure short-term, long-term, and sustainable results.
The event was attended by Dr. Valantine Achancho, Country Director of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Bangladesh, as a special guest, while DoF Director General Dr. M. Abdur Rouf presided over the workshop.