Nat’l Fisheries Fortnight begins today

National Fisheries Fortnight 2026 begins today (Sunday) under theme “A self-reliant nation through silver fish, Bangladesh first”. A total of 14 individuals and organisations in 13 categories will receive this year’s gold medal. 

Speaking at a press conference at the ministry on Thursday, Fisheries and Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid said the fortnight aims to highlight the country’s growing fish production, conserve fisheries resources, ensure safe and quality fish, improve fishers’ livelihoods and boost exports.

He informed that the central inauguration would be held at George Institute Mini Stadium in Achmita Union of Katiadi, Kishoreganj, where Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate and distribute the National Fisheries Awards. 

The minister said fisheries contribute 2.58 per cent to national GDP and 22.03pc  to agricultural GDP. And about 20.6 million people are directly or indirectly involved in the sector. Per capita daily fish availability has reached 67.80 grams, above the national requirement of 60 grams. Fish production stood at 5.111 million tonnes in 2024-25.

Citing the FAO’s The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026, he said Bangladesh ranks second in inland open-water fish capture and fifth in aquaculture production globally. It ranks first in hilsa production, eighth in tilapia, sixth in crustacean capture and 13th in coastal and marine fisheries capture. The country has 1,811,552 registered fishers, including 650,251 hilsa fishers, 285,648 haor fishers and 325,211 marine fishers.

Amin Ur Rashid said fishing bans must be accompanied by alternative livelihood support. Under the government’s 180-day action plan, food assistance was provided to 40,000 hilsa fishers. In 2025-26, rice support included 15,503.501 tonnes during the hilsa ban, 58,720.161 tonnes under the jatka programme, 24,165.625 tonnes during the marine ban and 1,610.701 tonnes for Kaptai Lake fishers.