Govt eyes global market expansion for Hilsa

The government is considering a long-term, science-based strategy for hilsa conservation and management, with a renewed focus on increasing production, protecting fish stocks and expanding Bangladesh’s export capacity in international markets.

Fisheries and Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid made the remarks while addressing the closing workshop of the “Hilsa Resource Development and Management (2nd Revised)” project at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) auditorium on Monday.

Highlighting the economic and strategic importance of hilsa, the minister said Bangladesh must move beyond meeting domestic demand and strengthen its ability to export the fish to overseas markets. He stressed that future policies should prioritise sustainable resource management alongside market expansion.

He said ensuring safe migration and breeding grounds for hilsa requires maintaining the natural flow of rivers and preserving water quality. To achieve this, all relevant ministries and agencies must work together to stop the discharge of industrial waste and toxic substances into rivers.

The minister also reiterated the government’s strict stance against jatka fishing, the harvesting of brood hilsa and the use of illegal current nets. He said effective measures are being implemented to eliminate the use of such nets, which pose a serious threat not only to hilsa but also to many indigenous fish species across the country.

Referring to the socio-economic challenges faced by fishing communities, Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid noted that many fishermen remain dependent on informal advance-payment systems.

He said the government is implementing practical programmes to create alternative employment opportunities, provide training and help fishermen become economically self-reliant. Additional initiatives will be taken in the future, he added.

The minister further revealed that the government is actively considering the formation of a special advisory body comprising researchers, experts and experienced field-level practitioners to support hilsa conservation and management. Future policies and action plans will be developed based on recommendations from the proposed body.

Speaking as special guest, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku said hilsa occupies a unique place in the country’s food culture and remains one of Bangladesh’s most valuable natural resources.

He noted that Bangladesh accounts for approximately 70 to 80 per cent of global hilsa production, making the fish highly sought after in various countries, particularly neighbouring nations. He stressed the need to preserve and sustainably manage hilsa resources for future generations.

Emphasising the role of research, the state minister said greater investment in knowledge, innovation and scientific studies is essential for maintaining competitiveness in the modern world. He added that there is no alternative to research for conserving hilsa resources, increasing production and ensuring sustainable management.

Highlighting government support for fishermen, Sultan Salauddin Tuku said nearly Tk 24 crore had been allocated for fishermen during the 2025-26 fiscal year, with plans to increase assistance in the future. He added that efforts are also underway to create alternative income opportunities for fishermen during fishing ban periods.

The state minister said awareness-building among fishermen is as important as enforcement operations in the field, noting that sustainable success in hilsa conservation cannot be achieved without public participation and cooperation.

The workshop was chaired by Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr Md Khaled Konok. Fisheries and Livestock Ministry Secretary Md Delwar Hossain and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council Executive Chairman Dr Md Abdus Salam attended as distinguished guests.

Project Director Molla Emdadullah delivered the welcome address. Senior officials of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and the Department of Fisheries, along with researchers, experts, fishermen and other stakeholders, were present at the event.