Fish exports yield over Tk 6,000cr foreign currency: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday said Bangladesh earned over Tk 6,000 crore in foreign currency by exporting fish and fishery products to around 52 countries during the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration and award distribution ceremony of 'National Fish Fortnight-2026' in Kishoreganj, the Prime Minister highlighted the growing potential of Asia in freshwater fish production, noting that Bangladesh holds bright prospects in the sector.

"Entrepreneurs, traders, fish farmers, and everyone involved in the fisheries sector deserve credit for this achievement," PM Tarique Rahman said, extending his gratitude to the award recipients and industry workers.

He noted that fish farming plays a vital role in meeting the nation's nutritional needs while generating employment across farming, harvesting, transportation, processing, and sales.

The PM stressed that utilizing ponds, beels, and haors offers immense opportunities for self-reliance. He announced government initiatives to renovate unused water bodies and stock them with fish fry.

"The renovated water bodies will be properly distributed among local youth to create employment opportunities," he added, noting that instructions have been issued to State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku, State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam, Kishoreganj-1 MP Md Mazharul Islam, and Kishoreganj-2 MP Advocate Md Jalal Uddin were present, alongside high officials and local leaders.

Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated National Fish Fortnight-2026 and distributed National Fisheries Gold Medals to 14 individuals and organizations across 13 categories for their contributions to the sector.

-SA