‘Govt to expand fish sanctuaries in haor areas’
The government is taking steps to establish new fish sanctuaries in haor and wetland areas to boost the breeding and production of native freshwater fish, said Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid, Minister for Fisheries and Livestock and Agriculture.
The minister also said plans are underway to replace the conventional leasing system for water bodies (jolmohals) with a new framework aimed at protecting the interests of local communities.
The minister made the remarks while talking to reporters on Saturday after inspecting the venue for the inauguration of National Fisheries Fortnight 2026 at Achmita George Institute Mini Stadium in Katiadi upazila of Kishoreganj.
Addressing the decline in indigenous fish species, the minister attributed it to environmental degradation, excessive use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers, habitat loss and the shrinking of natural fish sanctuaries.
“To address this, the government plans to create deep reservoirs and large enclosures in haors and wetlands to ensure safe breeding grounds and conserve fish,” the minister said, emphasising that protecting fish eggs and fry would help naturally restore the country’s aquatic resources.
Responding to concerns over microplastics in fish, the minister acknowledged it as a global challenge affecting both marine and freshwater ecosystems. He said Bangladesh would align its policies with international research and work with the Ministry of Environment to mitigate the risks.
On the crackdown on destructive “China Duari” fishing nets, the minister said the small-mesh traps destroy aquatic biodiversity by catching fish fry as well as mature fish. He called for strict administrative action along with community support to eliminate their use.
To support vulnerable fishers during seasonal fishing bans, the government continues to provide registered fishers with food assistance and alternative livelihood support, he said.
“We want Bangladesh to reclaim its heritage as a land abundant in fish,” the minister said, adding that new legislation to reform water-body management and integrate agricultural and fisheries policies is currently being drafted for submission to Parliament.
Earlier in the day, the minister inspected prospective sites for releasing fish fry along the Old Brahmaputra River at Thana Ghat-Isakha Bridge, Bahadia Pathanbari Ghat and Chairman Bari Ghat near Mirzapur Government Primary School in Pakundia upazila.
State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam MP, Kishoreganj-2 MP Advocate Jalal Uddin, Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Delwar Hossain, Department of Fisheries Director General Dr Md Khaled Kanak and Kishoreganj Deputy Commissioner Sohana Nasrin, among other senior officials, were present during the inspection.
