Fisheries and Livestock Ministry Adviser Farida Akhter spoke at the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFTI) in Mymensingh today. Photo : PID

DHAKA, June 21, 2025 (BSS) - Fisheries and Livestock Ministry Adviser Farida Akhter today said the interim government is working to create an environment conducive to handing over the state power to the representatives of the people’s choice through holding an acceptable, fair and participatory election.

“Necessary measures including reforming the Election Commission structure have been taken to hold the election in due time,” she said while replying to a question after attending a regional workshop to review the annual research programme and research plan at Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) in Mymensingh. 
     

Speaking at the workshop, the Adviser said the main source of animal protein in Bangladesh is fish.

“So, research in this section is vital to ensure safe and sustainable production of fishes. Fish is an integral part of Bengali culture,” she said. 

Farida said the research based technology should be facilitated to the grassroots level for protection of the resources.

The BFRI, Department of Fisheries and Bangladesh Agriculture University (BAU) would have to work in unison in this connection, she opined.

Highlighting the safety of feed for fish production and the impact of insecticides used in the Haor region, the Adviser said special committees have already been formed at local levels to control the use of pesticides.

Farida called for effective measures of the BFRI to identify and protect the endangered species of the fishes.

Professor of the Department of Fisheries Biology and Genetics of Bangladesh Agriculture University Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam Sarder, BFRI Director General (DG) Dr. Anuradha Bhadra, Director of Department of Fisheries, Mymensingh, Nripendra Nath Biswas and chief scientific officer of BFRI Dr. Md. Harun or Rashid, among others, spoke at the workshop.