Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony, discussion meeting and prize distribution of National Fisheries Fortnight-2026 held at Rajshahi District Shilpakala Academy auditorium at noon today (Sunday, 16 August), he said these things. This year's theme is — 'Silver fish self-reliant country, Bangladesh ahead of all'.
Emphasizing the quality of fish and safe food, the Land Minister said the quality of fish feed must be maintained. Fish farmers must refrain from using fish feed made through dishonest means or imported from abroad containing low-quality and unhygienic ingredients. He advised everyone to remain vigilant especially so that valuable resources like shrimp do not lose their image in foreign markets.
He said initiatives will be taken to operate cargo flights and expand the airport to export Rajshahi's live fish directly to Singapore and Dubai, taking them to the world market. He also announced the establishment of a modern fisheries testing laboratory in Rajshahi soon.
The Land Minister said freshwater will be a major strength in the future, and Bangladesh is extremely rich in this resource. By constructing a dam on the Padma River and building a Chinese rubber dam on the Baranai River by 2027, year-round water availability will be ensured, which will bring a revolution in fish farming.
Mentioning Rajshahi's Saklain as a model in fish farming, the Minister called upon the younger generation to become self-reliant through agriculture and fish farming. He said if educated youths join this sector, Bangladesh will be able to reach the number one position in the world in earning foreign currency.
He also said that 'fish' was once his election symbol, and he always tries to stand beside ordinary fishermen and working-class people and understand the language of their hearts.
Presided over by Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam, Divisional Commissioner Dr. A.N.M. Bazlur Rashid, RMP Commissioner Mohammad Faizul Kabir, Rajshahi Fisheries Department Director Md. Saifuddin Yahia and Superintendent of Police Mohammad Naimul Hasan spoke as special guests. District Fisheries Officer Md. Jahangir Alam gave the welcome speech. Among others, officials and employees of various government and private offices, fishermen, fish traders, fish farmers, feed mill owners, dignitaries and media workers were present.
At the end of the ceremony, the Land Minister handed over awards to successful fish farmers, traders and entrepreneurs for their contributions to the fisheries sector.
Earlier, the Minister released fish fingerlings in the Rajshahi Collectorate pond. Later, a rally was brought out from the zoo premises. After parading through the city's important streets, the rally ended at the District Shilpakala Academy, and balloons and festoons were released at the same venue to inaugurate National Fisheries Fortnight-2026.
