Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid. File Photo

SANGSAD BHABAN, July 7, 2026 (BSS) – Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid today said the government is updating the national database of genuine fishermen across the country, with the current number of registered fishermen standing at 1,803,565.

Replying to a written question from opposition lawmaker Md. Abu Talib (Jhenaidah-4) in the Jatiya Sangsad, the minister said the verification and updating of the fishermen’s list is being carried out under the “Fishermen Registration and Identity Card Guidelines, 2019.” The day’s sitting began with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, in the chair.

“The verification and updating of the fishermen’s database across the country is continuing under the Fishermen Registration and Identity Card Guidelines, 2019. At present, the number of registered fishermen in the country stands at 1,803,565,” the minister told the House.

He said the identification of genuine fishermen and preparation of an updated fishermen’s list in Jhenaidah Sadar (part) and Kaliganj upazilas are also being carried out as part of the nationwide programme.

The minister said the government has also planned to restore abandoned and derelict baors and other water bodies and bring them under fish cultivation to boost inland fish production.

“The government has a plan to restore abandoned and derelict baors and other water bodies and bring them under fish culture,” he said.

He informed the House that the Department of Fisheries has prepared a Development Project Proposal (DPP) titled “Community-Based Fisheries Resource Management in Selected Baor Areas.”

Under the proposed project, Saganna Baor in Jhenaidah Sadar and Sarjad Baor and Marjad Baor in Kaliganj will be developed in phases through excavation and re-excavation, establishment of three fish sanctuaries, creation of 30 beel nurseries, release of quality fish fingerlings and sustainable management of the water bodies with the participation of local beneficiaries.

The minister said the proposed project completed its manpower committee meeting at the Ministry of Finance on April 22, 2026, and is now awaiting consideration by the Project Evaluation Committee (PEC).

He further said a feasibility study is underway for another project on restoration of water bodies and habitat improvement aimed at increasing fish production in inland open waters.

“Based on the findings of the feasibility study, a project will be formulated covering all upazilas of the country except the three hill districts,” the minister added.