Rangamati: State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has announced plans to initiate dredging work on Kaptai Lake to restore its navigability. The announcement was made during the inauguration of a program focused on releasing fish fry into the lake and distributing VGF rice to fishermen at the Kaptai Fisheries Development and Marketing (BFDC) Centre.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the state minister highlighted the decline in fish production due to reduced navigability, emphasizing the need for government intervention to restore the lake's condition. Tuku stated that the dredging work would be undertaken after a thorough feasibility assessment.
The minister also stressed the importance of adhering to the three-month fishing ban period to enhance fish production. He called for collective efforts to prevent pollution in the lake and maintain its status as a vital reservoir of fisheries resources. Fish traders and farmers were urged to work diligently to keep the lake free from pollution.
Tuku mentioned the introduction of farmer cards by the government, which will soon include fishermen. These cards will provide loan facilities under ten categories, aiming to support the fishing community. He encouraged everyone to embody the party's slogan 'Bangladesh First' and promote patriotism.
The program aims to increase fish production, fulfill the demand for animal protein, create employment opportunities, and improve the livelihoods of fishermen. The event was chaired by Imam Uddin Kabir, Chairman of the Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation, with Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Delwar Hossain and local government officials in attendance.
Following the ceremony, fish fry were released into Kaptai Lake, and VGF rice was distributed to fishermen at the BFDC fish landing center in Rangamati.