Dhaka: Fisheries and Livestock adviser Farida Akhter today stated that the fisheries sector will lose its basic character if it is transformed into an industry. “The growing interest of the youths in the fisheries sector is very encouraging for the nation,” she remarked while inaugurating the daylong ‘Fisheries Entrepreneur Summit-2025’ at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre here.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the summit was organized by the Fisheries Department to promote sustainable development of the fisheries sector and to expedite the advancement of young entrepreneurs. The event was chaired by the Additional Director General (ADG) of the Fisheries Directorate, Zia Haider Chowdhury, and included speeches by Managing Director of Bizman Media Limited Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan, Chairman of Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation Suraiya Akhter Jahan, Chief Adviser of Bizman Media Limited Md Abu Bakar Siddique, Chairman of First Security Islami Bank Abdul Mannan, and Chairman of Islami Bank Bangladesh Obaid Ullah Al Masud.
Farida Akhter highlighted a cultural shift, noting, “We use to say ‘we are Bangalee who live on fish and rice’ (Machhe Bhate Bangalee) but the new generation is now ‘Bangalee who live on poultry and rice’.” She emphasized the importance of feeding fish, particularly small fish, to the younger generation.
The adviser also expressed concern over the threats to fish production due to water pollution and siltation of water bodies. She criticized the gradual pollution of the country’s rivers and urged relevant departments and authorities to collaborate to ensure safe fish production for the benefit of future generations.