Photo: BSS

KHULNA, August 18, 2025 (BSS) - With the theme ‘building sanctuaries makes the country rich with local fish’ the inauguration ceremony of the National Fisheries Week was held in Khulna as elsewhere across the country.

Additional Divisional Commissioner (General) Md Hossain Shawkat, inaugurated the Fisheries Week on Monday by releasing fish fry into the pond at Shaheed Hadis Park here.

Afterward, a colourful rally was brought out in the city that started from Shaheed Hadis Park and paraded through several streets. The rally ended at the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

Later, a discussion meeting was held at the Khulna Deputy Commissioner’s conference room with DC Md Saiful Islam in the chair.

Additional Divisional Commissioner (General) Md Hossain Shawkat addressed the rally as the chief guest, while Divisional Director of the Department of Fisheries, Md. Jahangir Alam, addressed as the special guest.

District Fisheries Officer, Md. Badruzzaman delivered the welcome speech and Khulna Press Club’s member secretary Rafiul Islam Tutul, shrimp farmer Md. Abu Hasan Sardar, among others, also addressed the gathering.

The event was jointly organized by the Khulna District Administration and the Department of Fisheries.

The chief guest said fish play an important role in both physical and mental development. Increased fish production has boosted the income of fishermen and fish farmers.

He added that many areas in the southern region remain unused for aquaculture; if these fallow lands are made suitable for fish farming, production would rise and demand could be met.

He further noted that the fisheries sector continues to contribute to national development, improving people’s livelihoods. With planned fish farming, higher production can be ensured even in small areas.

Government and non-government officials, fish farmers, fishermen, fish exporters, and representatives from business associations were present.

During the ceremony, the chief guest presented honorary crests to six successful fish farmers, individuals, entrepreneurs, and institutions.