Photo: BSS

CHITTAGONG UNIVERSITY, Aug 25, 2026 (BSS) - Despite winning rights to vast 
marine resources through Bangladesh's victory over its maritime boundary, the 
desired impact of this achievement has not been linked to the country's 
economy, said Chittagong University (CU) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr. 
Mohammad Al-Forkan.

"We have conquered our vast sea. But I don't think the impact that sea 
conquest was supposed to have on our economy has actually happened. Because 
we have not been able to carry out proper projects or impactful research," 
the VC said.

He made these remarks as the chief guest at a seminar and discussion on 
fisheries organised by CU's Fisheries Department this noon, marking "National 
Fisheries Week 2026".

Dr. Al-Forkan said, "We used to understand 'blue economy' as meaning only 
fish. But we also need to think about fish habitats, fish farming, diagnosis 
and prevention of fish diseases, fish diversity, breeding grounds and the 
environmental impact of fish production."

The event, chaired by Chairman of the Fisheries Department Prof Dr. Md. 
Ashraful Azam Khan, was attended as special guests by CU Pro-VC (Academic) 
Prof Dr. Mohammed Al-Amin and Pro-VC (Admin) Prof Dr. Md. Safiqul Islam.

Pro-VC (Academic) Prof Dr. Mohammed Al-Amin said, "Through research we need 
to find out how much natural content is being used in fish feed and how fish 
can be given more natural food. If we can introduce a special organic method 
in fish farming, we will be able to eat fish with greater peace of mind."

Pro-VC (Admin) Prof. Dr. Md. Safiqul Islam said, "Our fish stocks are 
declining due to global warming, water pollution and illegal fishing. Many 
fish species are going extinct. We should now focus on preserving and 
conserving fisheries resources and encouraging healthy fish farming."

The keynote speaker at the seminar was Prof Dr. Md. Rashed-Un-Nabi of the 
Fisheries Department. 

He said, "We need to protect our fishermen and fish farmers from disease and 
pathogen risks and adopt sustainable production systems. At the same time, 
policymakers and industry stakeholders must ensure fair prices, maintain 
transparency in the market system, and play an effective role in conserving 
fisheries resources."

Also present as an invited guest at the seminar was Prof Dr. Md. Shahadat 
Hossain, dean of the Faculty of Marine Sciences and Fisheries.