Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter spoke at an event in Ukhia, Cox's Bazar today. Photo: PID

UKHIYA, Cox's Bazar, Sept 21, 2025 (BSS) - Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today stressed the importance of ensuring safe feed in aquaculture, saying that feed safety is crucial for sustainable fish production and food security.

"Safe feed means safe fish, and that is why we remain concerned about it. Aquaculture depends largely on feed and its quality directly affects both production and consumer safety," she said.

The Adviser was addressing the inauguration of the Aquaculture Centre of Excellence at Dera Resort in Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar, jointly organized by the Embassy of the Netherlands and FisTech BD Ltd.

Highlighting the broader vision of sustainability, she said, "Sustainability does not only mean survival of the industry; it also involves protecting the environment, ensuring livelihoods, and maintaining harmony with society."

Calling for greater priority on safety, sustainable development and livelihoods, she said, "The real question is not only how many tons of fish are produced, but also how many people are engaged in this sector. This is the true indicator to understand the social and economic impact of fisheries." She emphasized the need for stricter monitoring by the Department of Fisheries and other stakeholders.

Referring to the July 2024 July Uprising, Farida Akhter said, "You know this government came into being after the student-led uprising that brought major change in society. I believe it is essential to create opportunities for young people in aquaculture so that they can see prospects of good income and sustainable employment."

She highlighted the effectiveness of modern technologies such as the In-Pond Raceway System (IPRS) in increasing fish production, saying, "IPRS is very effective for Bangladesh. The initiative taken by the organizers with this technology is highly important. However, along with technology dependence, we must also keep alternative systems for the future."

Netherlands Ambassador to Bangladesh Joris van Bommel said the Centre of Excellence in Cox's Bazar under the FoodTech Bangladesh programme represents a shining example of Bangladesh-Netherlands partnership.

"This centre will bring together government, private sector and development partners to exchange knowledge, showcase modern technologies, and above all, support farmers and fishers," he said.

He further observed that as Bangladesh advances its Blue Economy agenda, such initiatives will play a vital role in the country's progress. 

"With the combination of technology use, international partnership, and active participation of farmers, Bangladesh's aquaculture sector will become more sustainable, productive and competitive-not only for the present generation but also for the future," he added.

Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr Md Abdur Rauf and FisTech Chairman Khandaker Farhad Hossain also addressed the occasion. 

Fisheries Department Director S M Rezaul Karim, First Secretary (Economic Affairs) of the Netherlands Embassy Tim Spaans, First Secretary (Human Rights Affairs and Gender) Jan Swillens, teachers from various universities, aquaculture entrepreneurs and fish farmers, among others, were also present at the event.

Later in the afternoon, Adviser Farida Akhter visited the Department of Fisheries' Crab Hatchery and Nursery Complex in Cox's Bazar's Kolatoli, where she inspected the PCR lab of the Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries Project and other under-construction facilities.