Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar addressed a view-exchange meeting with lessees and shrimp farmers at Chakaria Upazila. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Dec 15, 2025 (BSS) – Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar today emphasized the importance of ensuring safe and high-quality shrimp production alongside efforts to increase output.

“To survive in the international market, good aquaculture practices must be followed, along with antibiotic-free production. Otherwise, Bangladesh's traditional Bagda shrimp will face export risks,” she said.

Addressing a view-exchange meeting with lessees and shrimp farmers at Chakaria Upazila this morning, Farida said that Bagda shrimp carries a special identity for Bangladesh, adding, “Therefore, it is our responsibility to protect its reputation.”

The adviser assured that coordination with concerned ministries would be ensured to address the safety, land management, and infrastructure issues faced by shrimp farmers.

She said that with joint efforts by the government and farmers, Bagda shrimp could become an important sector for earning foreign exchange, in addition to meeting domestic demand.

Additional Director General of the Department of Fisheries Md Zia Haider Chowdhury, joint secretaries Md Hemayet Hossain and Dr Abu Nayem Muhammad Abdus Sabur, Director of the Department of Fisheries Dr Md Motaleb Hossain, Deputy Director of Cox's Bazar Shrimp Farming Extension Zone Adhir Chandra Das, and Fisheries Officer Md Nazmul Huda were present at the meeting.

Leaseholders of various projects at Chakaria Shrimp Estate, fish farmers, fishermen, and local residents also participated.

Earlier, the adviser visited ‘Shikhi Pori’ School in Ward No. 6 of Dakshin Magnama Para, Badarkhali Union under Chakaria Upazila, and exchanged views with the locals.