Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Sept 6, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad today said accidental deaths in water should be prevented and a safe generation should be created by making children skilled in swimming.

He said swimming is not just a matter of entertainment or physical exercise but an important life-saving skill. 

“So, every child should learn how to swim from an early age . . . At the same time, we should work together to conserve the country's water bodies and increase fish production,” he said.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of a fish fry release and children's swimming training programme in a pond of Boda Upazila Parishad premises in Panchagarh, a ministry press release said. 

Boda Upazila administration arranged the event.

Forhad said Bangladesh is a country of numerous water bodies, including rivers, canals, beels and ponds, and these water bodies are closely related to the lives and livelihoods of people.

“If the proper use of water bodies is ensured, it is possible to increase fish production, meet the nutritional needs of people, and create employment opportunities,” he said.

He said if fish fry are released and fisheries resources are developed in a planned manner, the country's fish production will increase further. 

So, the state minister said, all should play a responsible role in protecting the environment and biodiversity of natural water bodies. 

The participation of locals is an urgent to keep ponds, canals, beels, and other water bodies free from pollution, he said.

Regarding swimming training for children, Forhad said awareness as well as acquiring practical skills is very important to prevent child deaths due to drowning. 

If a child knows how to swim, the chances of self-defense increase significantly once he or she suddenly falls into the water, he said. 

Therefore, the local administration, along with families and educational institutions, should also take the issue of teaching children to swim seriously, he said.

Forhad also said sports play an important role in the physical and mental development of children.

“Swimming works as physical exercise, entertainment, and self-defense skills at the same time. So, it is necessary to arrange regular and safe swimming training for children,” he said.

At the event, the state minister released fry of different fish species in the pond. Later, he inaugurated a swimming training programme for children.

Upazila administration officials and employees, local public representatives, officials of the concerned departments, trainers, children and guardians, and people from all walks of life were present at the event.