Dhaka: Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today emphasized that marine resources can play a significant role in ensuring the country’s food security. Farida noted the disparity between the contribution of inland water bodies and the sea to the nation’s fish supply, with only 30 percent currently coming from marine sources.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Farida highlighted the vast, untapped potential of the country’s marine wealth, suggesting that its proper utilization could significantly enhance both the national economy and nutritional security. She made these remarks as the chief guest at the official inauguration of ‘Ocean Centres, Bangladesh,’ an event organized by the United Nations Global Compact Network Bangladesh at a city hotel.
Farida underscored the economic opportunities inherent in marine resources, urging for effective steps to harness these resources for economic development, local community advancement, and export revenue. She stressed that the country’s extensive maritime territory holds a wealth of unexplored resources that, if utilized effectively, could make the economy more prosperous and dynamic.
Despite the nutritional benefits of sea fish, Farida noted that public interest remains low due to limited promotion, accessibility challenges, and ingrained dietary habits. While dried sea fish has some popularity, fresh sea fish, apart from Hilsa, has not gained similar traction.
The event was chaired by Shahamin S Zaman, Executive Director of Global Compact Network Bangladesh, and featured speakers such as Alex Stitt, Director of the Heritage and Education Centre at Lloyd’s Register Foundation, and Commodore (Retd) Mohammad Abdur Razzak, Country Lead of Ocean Centres Bangladesh. Rear Admiral (Retd) Mohammad Khurshed Alam presented a keynote paper on the challenges and opportunities for Bangladesh’s blue economy growth.
Experts participating in the event discussed marine resource conservation, blue economy development, sustainable fisheries, and the exploration of new opportunities in marine resource extraction. They emphasized that the proper use and preservation of marine resources would not only drive economic growth but also ensure environmental protection and long-term food security.