He made these remarks as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of National Fisheries Week 2026, organised by the Department of Fisheries at its conference room today.
Regarding the decision to hold the central event of National Fisheries Week outside Dhaka, in Kishoreganj, the State Minister said the haor region plays a crucial role in fish production. A large portion of the country's freshwater fish comes from the haor areas. Therefore, the event was held outside Dhaka to reach marginalised fish farmers, fishermen, and those involved in the fisheries sector.
The State Minister said that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had undertaken various programmes, including river dredging and canal excavation, for the development of agriculture and fisheries. Later, former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia also took various initiatives for the development of the fisheries sector. The current Prime Minister, Tarek Rahman, is continuing the work in agriculture and fisheries.
He said, "This time we have organised this big event in a very short period. With the consent and guidance of the honourable Prime Minister, it was possible to organise this programme outside Dhaka. The Prime Minister's presence made the entire event vibrant and exceptional."
Praising the sincere efforts of the Department of Fisheries and concerned officials in making National Fisheries Week a success, the State Minister said, "Like the five fingers of a hand, our responsibilities may be different, but when everyone works together, the strength of a clenched fist is created. This year's event was also successful due to everyone's collective efforts."
Addressing government officials, he said that state-assigned responsibilities must be properly fulfilled. No negligence or shirking of duties would be tolerated. Every official must perform their duties to the state with their own competence and merit.
The State Minister said, "We must all work together in unity to move the country forward. The owners of the state are the people—Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Leader Begum Khaleda Zia, and Prime Minister Tarek Rahman also believe in this principle." He stated that the state must be governed and development ensured by keeping the people alongside. The administration of the state and government duties must be carried out with the highest priority on the welfare of the people. Development must be pursued with and for the people.
He said, "Bangladesh First"—this spirit must be embraced by everyone to work in unity. No one alone can accomplish great tasks. With a skilled and sincere team, any impossible task can be made possible. He therefore called upon officials to work more sincerely for the welfare of the people.
Highlighting the government's future plans for fisheries sector development, the State Minister said the Prime Minister has already directed the adoption of several projects for the sector's development. Through the implementation of these projects, the Department of Fisheries will be able to play an even more important role in the grassroots economy.
Speaking as a special guest, Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md. Delwar Hossain said that everyone must pay special attention to ensure that fish farmers and ordinary people do not face any harassment when seeking government services. Everyone must perform their respective duties properly. No negligence can be tolerated in providing services to the people. He said that as part of the government, the ministry and the department must work with more responsibility. Any dereliction of duty would result in the concerned individual being held accountable.
In his presidential address, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr. Md. Khaled Kanak said that the central event of National Fisheries Week was last held outside Dhaka in 2003. After a long gap, this year's event was organised in Katiadi, Kishoreganj, with great grandeur. The distribution of awards to field-level fish farmers and relevant individuals at this year's event has created new enthusiasm among those associated with the fisheries sector.
The event was attended by officials and staff from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the Department of Fisheries, and other concerned departments, along with fish farmers, fishermen, and representatives from various professions.
