Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter-File Photo

DHAKA, Feb 10, 2026 (BSS) - Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today said the government has enacted and amended a number of acts, ordinances and regulations to protect the interests of marginal farmers while ensuring sustainable production, resource conservation and public health safety.

"The government has enacted and amended multiple acts, ordinances and policies within the shortest possible time to ensure sustainable production, preserve resources, ensure public health safety and protect the interests of marginal farmers," she said.

The adviser made the remarks at a press briefing at the conference room of the ministry, highlighting programmes undertaken and achievements during the tenure of the interim government.

In the fisheries sector, Farida said fisheries sanctuaries have been declared through the issuance of the Protection and Conservation of Fish (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, while restrictions on electro-fishing and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) have been given legal recognition.

She said the government has also framed the National Fisheries Policy, 2026, National Fisheries Award (Padak) Policy, 2026, Fish Feed Rules, 2024, Fisheries Quarantine Rules, 2024, and Fish and Fish Products (Inspection and Quality Control) Rules, 2025.

The adviser said the fishing ban in the territorial waters of the Bay of Bengal has been reduced to 58 days from 65 days, while the use of SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging) technology in fishing trawlers has been banned for two years.

In the livestock sector, she said the government has formulated the National Poultry Development Policy, 2026, the Quarantine of Animal and Animal Products Ordinance, 2026, the Livestock Risk Protection Insurance Policy, 2026, the National Artificial Insemination (AI) Policy, 2026 (draft), and the Veterinary Medicines Ordinance, 2026 (draft).

Farida said the government has taken a strategic decision to provide a 20 percent rebate on electricity bills for growers and a subsidy of Taka 100 crore to reduce production costs, adding that the move will also help stabilise market prices of animal products.

She also said the number of registered beneficiary fishermen under the fishermen's social safety Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme will be increased to 15 lakh from the existing 13,26,486. The programme has been introduced for the first time for fishermen living in the Sundarbans and haor areas.

Meanwhile, the adviser said the government has decided to sell dressed broiler chicken, milk, eggs and beef at affordable prices in the capital during Ramadan. The mobile sales programme will be implemented at different locations in coordination with local entrepreneurs and concerned stakeholders.