Dhaka: Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid emphasized the importance of producing safe and quality fish in Bangladesh to increase exports and ensure food safety. 'The demand for safe and quality food has now emerged as a greater concern globally than food shortages, and ensuring the production of safe and quality fish in Bangladesh is very significant now,' he stated while addressing a seminar titled 'Fisheries Resources for Building a Self-Reliant Bangladesh: Current Context and Future Course of Action' at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the seminar, organized by the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) and chaired by its Director General Dr. Md Latiful Islam, saw Aminur urging relevant sectors to boost fish production by adhering to prescribed standards and ensuring quality. He stressed the importance of identifying and resolving challenges in the fisheries production sector to expedite progress, emphasizing the need to consider both domestic demands and international market preferences for quality fish.
Aminur highlighted the necessity of establishing adequate sanctuaries to enhance natural fish breeding and production, mentioning ongoing government initiatives to conserve fish. He encouraged farmers to adopt environmentally friendly and modern production methods and pointed out the export potential of shrimp, crab, eel, and other aquatic animals, stressing the importance of improving fry production and breeding systems.
State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, speaking as a special guest, underscored the importance of maintaining natural fish habitats. He advocated for the restoration of river and canal navigability and their connections to rivers, which would create favorable environments for fish breeding and movement. He also warned against the unnecessary use of antibiotics, which poses economic risks to farmers and threatens food safety.
BFRI Senior Scientific Officer Dr. Md Mashiur Rahman presented the keynote paper at the seminar. The event was attended by Fisheries and Livestock Ministry Secretary Md Delwar Hossain, Department of Fisheries DG Dr. Md Khaled Kanak, Department of Livestock Services DG Md Shahjaman Khan, senior ministry officials, university teachers, and BFRI scientists.