News Flash
DHAKA, May 26, 2025 (BSS) - Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today called upon development partners to come forward alongside the government to improve the living standards of coastal people.
"The involvement of the government, development partners, and donor agencies is crucial to improving the livelihoods of both Rohingyas and fishermen in the coastal areas of the Bay of Bengal," she said.
She was addressing a day-long workshop titled "Midterm Progress Review Workshop on Fisheries Livelihood Enhancement Project in the Coastal Area of the Bay of Bengal" at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) auditorium in the city.
She emphasised that, in addition to increasing rice production, boosting fish and livestock output is essential to meet the nutritional needs of rice-and-fish-loving Bengalis.
The adviser urged all development partners to extend their support in improving the living standards of coastal communities by assisting and encouraging local fishermen.
Considering the success and potential of JICA's project, she requested the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to expand the project to all coastal districts of Bangladesh.
Farida said, "By further expanding this initiative, we can amplify its benefits and play a vital role in enhancing resilience and building a sustainable blue economy in climate-vulnerable regions."
Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr Md Abdur Rouf chaired the workshop addressed, among others, by Chairman of the Fisheries Development Corporation Suraiya Akhtar Jahan, Director General of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute Anuradha Bhadra, and senior representatives of JICA Miura Mari and Sugiyama Shunji.
Project director Md Asaduzzaman delivered the keynote speech.
