‘Govt taking steps to protect indigenous fish species’

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku on Saturday said the government has undertaken various programmes across the country to conserve indigenous fish species and increase fish production to meet domestic demand.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after releasing fish fry in Garail Beel under Tangail Sadar Upazila.

The state minister said the initiatives are expected to contribute both to the preservation of native fish species and to increased fish production.

“To preserve indigenous fish species and increase fish production, fish fry are being released in government water bodies, ponds and beels, as well as in private ponds and water bodies across the country under the initiatives of the Department of Fisheries,” he said.

Tuku also urged people to refrain from using harmful fishing equipment, including Chinese nets, which are considered detrimental to fish breeding and aquatic biodiversity.

He stressed that, alongside enforcement of existing laws, greater public awareness is necessary to protect fish resources and ensure sustainable fisheries management.

Among those present were Tangail Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque, Additional Deputy Commissioner Sanjoy Kumar Mohanta, Tangail Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shahin Miah, former member secretary of Tangail district BNP Mahmudul Haque Sanu, Tangail Sadar Upazila BNP President Md Azgar Ali and Sadar Upazila Fisheries Officer Mohammad Ayub Ali.