Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today attended the official inauguration of ‘Ocean Centres, Bangladesh' as the chief guest. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Aug 12, 2025 (BSS) – Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today said that marine resources can play a significant role in ensuring the country’s food security.

Though about 50 percent of the required fish comes from the country’s haors, canals and rivers, she said, only 30 percent comes from the sea—far less compared to its vast potential. 

“Much of the marine wealth remains unexplored. If properly utilized, it could greatly contribute to both the national economy and nutritional security,” the adviser said. 

Farida made these remarks as chief guest at the official inauguration of ‘Ocean Centres, Bangladesh,’ under the initiative of the United Nations Global Compact Network Bangladesh at a city hotel, said a press release.

Highlighting the economic opportunities, the adviser underscored the need for undertaking effective steps to utilize marine resources for the country’s economic development, advancement of local communities, and earning foreign currency through exports.

“Our country's vast maritime territory contains a huge amount of unexplored resources, which, if properly utilized, can make the national economy more prosperous and dynamic,” Farida said.

Noting that sea fish play an important role in meeting nutrition, she said, but, due to lack of promotion, limited accessibility, and ingrained habits, public interest in consuming marine fish remains relatively low. 

While there is interest in dried sea fish, there is not as much interest in fresh sea fish, the adviser said, adding, though there is a huge interest in Hilsa, many other marine fish varieties have yet to gain similar popularity.

Executive Director of Global Compact Network Bangladesh Shahamin S Zaman chaired the event while Director of the Heritage and Education Centre at Lloyd’s Register Foundation Alex Stitt, Country Lead of Ocean Centres Bangladesh Commodore (Retd) Mohammad Abdur Razzak, and senior officials of the United Nations Global Compact spoke, among others.

Rear Admiral (Retd) Mohammad Khurshed Alam presented the keynote paper on the challenges and opportunities of Bangladesh’s blue economy growth at the event while Rear Admiral Dr Khondkar Akhter Hossain and Bangladesh Marine Fisheries Association President Enam Chowdhury presented papers on technology, human resource development, and the future potential of the fisheries industry.

Participating experts shared their views on marine resource conservation, blue economy development, sustainable fisheries and exploring new horizons in marine resource extraction. 

They said 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.