DHAKA, Feb 02, 2026 (BSS)- Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock today said the government gave no approval for artificial or indoor culture of Hilsa fish in the country.

An official release of the ministry said various newspapers, online news portals and social media platforms have recently published a report on indoor or artificial farming of Hilsa. In this context, the ministry has reviewed the matter with due importance.
The release said a meeting on indoor farming of Hilsa and various marine fisheries under Re-circulating Aquaculture System (RAS) was held in the ministry on Sunday with adviser Farida Akhtar in the chair.

Senior officials from the ministry of fisheries and livestock, the Department of Fisheries and the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute were present.

The meeting observed that Hilsa is an important Geographical Indication (GI) product of Bangladesh. Hilsa is deeply intertwined with the country’s riverine and coastal natural ecosystems, food security, heritage and the livelihoods of a large number of fishermen and local communities.
 
Since Hilsa production and its management primarily depend on natural breeding cycles and river-based environment, any initiative in this regard is extremely sensitive and policy-driven.

Further discussion made it clear that at present, there is no government policy decision or approval regarding the Hilsa farming through RAS or any other indoor, fully controlled and intensive method.

Therefore, no individual or institution was given the permission to conduct Hilsa farming or any related activities using such methods.

The Ministry also stated that any research or experimental initiative or technological activity related to Hilsa cultivation must be conducted in accordance with existing laws of the country, policies and national interests and only with prior approval from the relevant government authorities.

Any activity undertaken without the approval is unacceptable; the release said urging all public and private stakeholders not to be misguided by the misinformation or rumors.