Staff Reporter :
The National Fisheries Week 2025 begins today (22 July) across the country with a weeklong programme aimed at raising public awareness and promoting the creation of fish sanctuaries to enhance the production of indigenous fish species.
This year’s theme is “Building Sanctuaries, Increase the Production of Local Fishes”, underscoring the government’s focus on preserving biodiversity and strengthening the fisheries sector for long-term sustainability.
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter announced the details at a press briefing on the eve of the observance. The programme will be held nationwide at central, district, and upazila levels from 22 to 28 July.
Highlighting the sector’s contributions, the adviser said, “The fisheries sector plays a vital role in ensuring safe protein intake, meeting nutritional demands, generating employment, and expanding exports.” She added that the sector also contributes to socio-economic and cultural development.
To mark the occasion, the government will award the National Fisheries Medal 2025 to 16 individuals and organisations across seven categories for their outstanding contributions. Nobel Laureate and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will distribute the medals at the inaugural ceremony.
Events throughout the week will include rallies, seminars, exhibitions, workshops, and public awareness campaigns. Special tributes will also be paid to the martyrs and injured of the July uprising, integrating national pride with the week’s celebrations.
According to the adviser, Bangladesh is blessed with rich aquatic resources, including 38.6 lakh hectares of open water bodies, 8.5 lakh hectares of closed water bodies, and a 1,18,813 square kilometre marine area. Through timely and effective planning, the country has achieved self-sufficiency in fish production.
She stressed that the government remains committed to the protection, sustainable management, and development of fisheries resources to ensure food security and environmental balance.
