News Flash
DHAKA, Oct 21, 2025 (BSS) – Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today urged fishermen to refrain from catching mother fish in order to protect fish reproduction and maintain ecological balance.
“The fish caught from our rivers and seas are part of our natural resources. If we fail to protect them, we will face a shortage in the future. Therefore, everyone must abide by the law during the fishing ban period. Ultimately, compliance with the law will benefit the fishermen themselves,” she said.
She made these remarks while addressing the 12th National Conference-2025 of the Bangladesh Small Fishermen Association held at the auditorium of the Jatiya Press Club (JPC) here.
Farida Akhter said, “You are the ones who keep the people of this country nourished by providing fish. You are not a small group, but a significant part of our population. We don’t live on rice alone — we also depend on fish, vegetables, and fruits. If fishermen don’t catch fish, no one will have fish to eat. You are working tirelessly to ensure food security for all.”
She said the Coast Guard, Navy, and law enforcement agencies must play a more active role in preventing Indian fishermen from entering Bangladesh’s waters. The Ministries of Food and Finance have been requested to increase the amount of VGF rice to support fishermen during the fishing ban, she added.
She said, “As long as I am in the government, I will continue to work for the welfare of fishermen. In the future, initiatives will be taken to provide at least 50 kilograms of rice to each fisherman. In addition, discussions are underway to introduce financial assistance for fishermen.”
Regarding the long-standing problem of dadan (loan), the adviser said dadan keeps fishermen trapped in a cycle of poverty. Bangladesh Bank has expressed willingness to provide alternative low-interest loans so that fishermen are no longer dependent on dadan, she added.
The adviser also expressed concern that many fishermen go missing or lose their lives during natural disasters.
She said the family members of missing fishermen often do not know whether their loved ones are alive or dead. As a result, they remain deprived of government assistance, she added.
Farida said discussions are underway with the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief to resolve this issue and develop an effective support system for such families.
Regarding the emergence of chars in rivers and obstacles to reproduction, she said, “The emergence of chars in rivers is causing problems in the movement and reproduction of fish. Although our own dredging capacity is limited, we have requested the Ministry of Shipping and Water Resources to intervene. They have assured that they will complete the necessary dredging activities during the dry season.”
At the conference, the association raised six-point demands to ensure the fair rights and welfare of fishermen.
President of the association, Freedom Fighter Israil Khalil, presided over the conference, while Director of the Fisheries Department Dr. Md. Motaleb Hossain, Assistant Attorney General of BGB Tribunal Advocate M. Helal Uddin, Additional PP Advocate of Barisal Judge Court Md. Humayun Kabir, President of Bangladesh Sanyukta Sramik Federation Mosadek Hossain Swapan, General Secretary Mokaddem Hossain, Acting General Secretary of the association Md. Babul Mir, and member Taslima Begum, among others, spoke at the event.
