Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter-File Photo

DHAKA, Dec 10, 2025 (BSS) - Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has said the Department of Fisheries (DoF) must adopt more sustainable initiatives while maintaining strong international cooperation.

She made the remarks as the chief guest at a programme titled "Terminal Workshop: Community-based Climate Resilient Fisheries and Aquaculture Development in Bangladesh" held at Hotel InterContinental in the capital.

Farida Akhter expressed hope that Bangladesh would play an even more active role in the future at international platforms, including those hosted in Brazil.

Noting that a project may formally end but work continues, she said true success lies in achieving project goals, evaluating outcomes and planning the next steps.

Calling climate change an ongoing crisis, the adviser said its impacts are intensifying each day. She added that carbon emissions remain high because richer nations have not taken adequate measures to curb the use of fossil fuels. Therefore, she stressed that Bangladesh must focus not only on adaptation but also on strong preventive measures.

Speaking about the challenges faced by disaster-prone areas in the South, Farida said the people of Bangladesh have demonstrated natural climate resilience through their strength, spirit and determination. She underscored the importance of expanding climate-resilient fisheries in coastal regions, including Sunamganj, Habiganj and Bagerhat.

She also highlighted the need to jointly strengthen Baghada-Galda (tiger shrimp and freshwater prawn) wild diversity conservation efforts and improve local livelihoods. The adviser emphasized conducting impact studies to ensure short-term, long-term and sustainable results.

Country Director of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Bangladesh, Dr. Valantine Achancho, attended the event as special guest, while DoF Director General Dr. M. Abdur Rouf presided over the workshop.