Dhaka: The government has organized an extensive program to observe National Fisheries Week-2025 starting tomorrow, aimed at raising public awareness and establishing sanctuaries to boost the production of various fish species. The theme for this year's event is 'Building Sanctuaries, Increase the Production of Local Fishes'.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the National Fisheries Medal-2025 will be awarded to 16 individuals and organizations in seven categories for their contributions to the fisheries sector, as announced by Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter during a media briefing on the eve of the event. The weeklong activities will be held nationwide, from central to district and upazila levels, from July 22-28.
The scheduled activities include the distribution of fisheries medals, along with organizing awareness programs, rallies, discussions, seminars, workshops, and exhibitions. Adviser Akhter mentioned that this year's event has been specially designed to honor the martyrs and those injured in the July uprising.
The fisheries sector plays a crucial role in providing safe protein and meeting the nutritional needs of the population. It also contributes significantly to employment generation, export growth, foreign currency earnings, and socio-cultural development. Bangladesh boasts a vast expanse of fisheries resources, including 38.6 lakh hectares of open water bodies, 8.5 lakh hectares of closed water bodies, and a 1,18,813 square kilometer sea area.
The government has implemented effective and timely action plans for the protection, development, management, sustainable procurement, and production of fisheries resources, making the country self-sufficient in fisheries production.