Photo: BSS

LALMONIRHAT, July 5, 2026 (BSS) - Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu today stressed the need to ensure proper and sustainable management of water bodies to conserve native fish species.

He said that protecting indigenous fish requires more than simply releasing fingerlings into water bodies. It also demands the conservation of natural water bodies, environment friendly management practices and coordinated efforts of all stakeholders.

The minister made the remarks while inaugurating a fingerling release programme at a pond at a housing project adjacent to Chandni Bazar here. The programme was organized under the Department of Fisheries' revenue budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year. At the outset of the event, he released fingerlings of various native fish species into the pond.

Dulu said the government's objective is to conserve endangered native fish species, promote the sustainable development of fisheries resources and increase fish production. 

He added that the government is implementing various programmes to strengthen food and nutrition security, protect biodiversity and enhance the incomes of fishing communities, thereby making the rural economy more resilient.

The minister further said that proper management of water bodies would increase the production of native fish significantly and help to preserve rich fisheries resources for future generations. 

He called upon the local communities and all relevant stakeholders to play a responsible role alongside the government's initiatives in achieving this goal.

Under the programme, fingerlings of native fish species will be released into various inland water bodies, monsoon-flooded paddy fields, floodplains and institutional water bodies across the district.

Among others, Administrator of the Lalmonirhat Zila Parishad A.K.M. Mominul Haque, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mononita Das and Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Md. Shamsur Rahman were present at the inaugural function.