Mymensingh: Emphasizing the need for increased fish production and safe food practices, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today said fish is an integral part of Bengali identity and a vital source of protein. She made the remarks while addressing a regional workshop titled “Annual Research Progress (2024-25) Review and Research Plan (2025-26) Formulation”, organised by the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) in Mymensingh.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser highlighted the importance of biodiversity and urged BFRI to intensify efforts to protect native fish species, especially small indigenous varieties, from extinction. She called for stronger coordination among the Department of Fisheries, BFRI, and the Faculty of Fisheries at Bangladesh Agricultural University to bring about sustainable development in the country’s fisheries sector.
Farida Akhter stated that only through collaborative efforts can a qualitative change be achieved in Bangladesh’s fish resources. Describing scientists as national assets, she reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing maximum support to enable them to conduct research that directly benefits the public.
She urged scientists to develop technologies, emphasizing that if their innovations are implemented at the field level through the Department of Fisheries, the country can ensure food security.