MANDA, NAOGAON, June 2: An initiative has been taken in Manda Upazila of Naogaon to boost the livelihood of fishermen living around the beel areas and give new momentum to the rural economy through fish stocking.
Under the Fisheries Resource Management Project for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, fish fingerlings were officially released into Joba Beel and surrounding water bodies in a festive programme. The event was organised by the Manda Upazila administration and the Senior Upazila Fisheries office at the historic Beel Manda at noon on Tuesday.
Manda Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Akhtar Jahan Sathi presided over the programme, while Naogaon-4 (Manda) MP Dr. Ikramul Bari Tipu inaugurated the initiative as the chief guest.
Officials said the project aims to increase fish resources in the beel region and meet local demand for protein.
In the first phase, around 800 kg of carp fingerlings were released into the water bodies. In the second phase, an additional 900 kg of indigenous fish fingerlings will soon be released in the same area, according to the Department of Fisheries.
Speaking at the event, MP Dr. Ikramul Bari Tipu said the initiative is aimed at making local fishermen self-reliant.
"We have released fingerlings today and more indigenous fish will be released later. Our main goal is to ensure self-reliance for fishermen living around the beel," he said.
Local fishermen welcomed the initiative.
