Call for higher fish production to boost exports

National Fisheries Week-2026 has concluded in Khulna and Rajbari districts on Tuesday under the theme “Self-reliant country with silver fish, Bangladesh first,” and with a call for increased fish production to meet domestic nutritional needs and boost export earnings while ensuring safety and quality standards.

KHULNA: Speakers said National Fisheries Week is not merely an event but a commitment to meeting the country’s nutritional and protein needs.

They made the remarks at a ceremony at the conference room of the Khulna Divisional Office of the Department of Fisheries.

Department of Fisheries Divisional Director Md Jahangir Alam attended as chief guest, while District Fisheries Officer (DFO) Md Badruzzaman presided.

Quality Assurance Manager of the Khulna Fisheries Quality Control Laboratory Md Muktadir Khan, Deputy Director Biplob Kumar Basak and Senior Assistant Director ATM Taufiq Mahmud also spoke.

The speaker said about 12 percent of Bangladesh’s population depends directly or indirectly on the fisheries sector for livelihoods. The sector also creates jobs and contributes to nutrition, health and economic well-being.

They called for conserving natural fisheries resources, expanding safe and sustainable fish farming and improving resource management to increase production and exports.

Assistant Director Ujjal Kumar Roy presented a report evaluating the two-day Fisheries Week.

Fish farmers, fishermen and other stakeholders attended the ceremony.

RAJBARI: On this occasion, the closing and prize distribution ceremony was held at 4:30 pm in the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner's office.

Deputy Commissioner Afroza Parveen, the chief guest, urged all stakeholders to help conserve, breed and sustainably produce native fish, including hilsa. She emphasised protecting jatka, stopping the use of illegal fishing nets, protecting fish sanctuaries and rehabilitating fishermen.

DFO Mahbub Ul Haque said hilsa production has increased significantly because of stronger jatka conservation efforts. He called for continued cooperation from fishermen and other stakeholders to protect hilsa and the biodiversity of native fish species.

Fish farmers, traders, fishermen, students, teachers and other stakeholders attended the event.

Earlier on Tuesday, a quiz competition was held at the Rajbari Sadar Upazila Auditorium for school students to raise awareness about fisheries conservation, hilsa's life cycle, fish breeding and sustainable fisheries management. Guests distributed prizes among the winners at the closing ceremony.