BM Desk:

In the ongoing financial year, Bangladesh anticipates a fish production exceeding 50 million tons, according to Fisheries and Livestock Minister Rezaul Karim. The minister highlighted that fish production in the country has seen an 82 percent increase over the last 15 years, reaching 49.15 lakh metric tons in the fiscal year 2022-23.

During the launch of ‘FLJF Voice’ by the Fisheries and Livestock Journalists Forum (FLJF) on Wednesday, Minister Rezaul Karim mentioned that Bangladesh has earned international recognition for its achievements in fish production. 

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) ranks Bangladesh 3rd in freshwater fish production, 5th in farmed fish production, and 1st in Hilsa production. This progress follows the country’s attainment of self-sufficiency in fish production in the financial year 2016-17.

Minister Karim also highlighted the formulation of the Marine Fisheries Act 2020 and the Marine Fisheries Policy 2022, aimed at promoting sustainable harvesting and management of marine fish. 

To strengthen monitoring and control of fishing vessels in the country’s sea limits, a vessel monitoring system has been implemented, including the establishment of a Joint Monitoring Center in Chittagong. Approximately 8,500 artisanal fishing boats and 5 commercial fishing boats have been incorporated into the technology-based vessel monitoring system.

Furthermore, Minister Karim noted the substantial increase in the production of milk, meat, and eggs over the past 15 years—approximately 5 times, 7 times, and 4 times, respectively. 

Acknowledging the significance of the dairy sector, the government recently enacted a law to establish the Dairy Development Board. 

The event took place in the conference room of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock in the Secretariat, with the presence of officials and members of the Fisheries and Livestock Journalists Forum.