Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. File Photo

DHAKA, July 21, 2025 (BSS) – Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has said that the fisheries sector can unveil a new horizon of immense potentials before the nation for attaining economic growth and sustainable social development.
 
“I hope that all concerned will work with utmost integrity to build a sustainable fisheries sector by harnessing the immense potential for investment and business development in this sector,” the Chief Adviser said in a message marking the ‘National Fisheries Week-2025’, said a handout.

He said, “I am delighted to know that as like in previous years, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock is also observing ‘National Fisheries Week-2025’ this time to raise awareness and encourage the people to conserve, expand, and develop the country’s fisheries resources. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the country’s fish farmers, entrepreneurs, fishermen, and all others concerned. I consider this year’s theme of National Fisheries Week — ‘Create Sanctuaries, Fill the Country with Native Fish’ to be very significant.”

The Chief Adviser said that the contribution of the fisheries sector is immense towards ensuring food security, creating employments, alleviating poverty, earning foreign currencies, and improving the socio-economic condition of the people. 

He said Bangladesh is now self-sufficient in fish production thanks to the expansion of appropriate and climate-resilient aquaculture technologies at the farmers-level, implementation of co-management in open water bodies, and sustainable management of marine fisheries resources.

According to the FAO’s 2024 report, Bangladesh ranks second in the world in freshwater fish production while is in the fifth slot in closed water fish production.

Moreover, Bangladesh is currently in the first position in the world in hilsa production and fourth in tilapia production. 

“This unimaginable success of our fisheries sector has further enhanced Bangladesh’s dignity in the global stage,” Professor Yunus added.

Since assuming responsibility, he said the interim government has undertaken various programmes to develop the fish resources and thus increasing domestic fish supply.

Measures based on modern technology and planned blue economy initiatives are being implemented to identify, assess, and harvest marine fisheries resources.

Effective steps have been taken to declare Marine Protected Areas, formulate a Marine Spatial Plan, and prevent illegal and excessive fishing in the sea to protect marine biodiversity. 

To ensure the proper quality of frozen fish and fisheries products, regarded as one of Bangladesh’s major export sectors, good aquaculture practices, fisheries inspection, and quality control laws are being framed and implemented.
 
Besides, initiatives have also been taken to explore the potential for commercial harvesting of marine tuna and similar fish species.
 
Furthermore, various programmes are being implemented at the field-level to further expand fish production in the freshwater and closed water bodies.

The Chief Adviser wished success of all programmes organized on the occasion of ‘National Fisheries Week- 2025’.