Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called for collective efforts to protect nature in order to conserve Bangladesh’s fisheries resources.
“Let’s learn to show respect to nature; let’s learn to be kind to nature,” he said while inaugurating National Fisheries Week 2025 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka on Monday.
Terming fish a gift of nature and a blessing from Almighty Allah, Prof Yunus said indiscriminate destruction of the natural habitat of fish is threatening species diversity. He warned that indiscriminate dumping of waste into water bodies is poisoning the environment and eventually harming people themselves.
Highlighting both the immense potential and the growing challenges of the fisheries sector, he said modesty towards nature will allow people to continue enjoying its gifts. “We love to eat fish. Fish is our favourite food. But we do not think about those who are involved in producing fish,” he observed, stressing the need to bring genuine fishers under social safety net programmes.
On marine resources, Prof Yunus said the Bay of Bengal remains largely untapped despite its vast potential. “The marine fisheries sector can create a new Bangladesh,” he said, underscoring the importance of identifying deep-sea fishing areas, carrying out research, and including marine fisheries in university curricula.
He also noted that Bangladesh is engaging with friendly nations on coastal and marine conservation, and the response so far has been positive.
The chief adviser further called for curbing the unchecked use of pesticides in agriculture and tobacco farming, citing their negative impact on fisheries. He said unplanned infrastructure development, declining river navigability, and climate change are already affecting fish resources, while many indigenous species are disappearing due to poor waterbody management.
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter, Ministry Secretary (Routine Duty) Md Tofazzel Hossain, and Department of Fisheries Director General (Current Charge) Dr Md Abdur Rouf also spoke at the ceremony.
At the event, 16 individuals and organisations received the “Matshya Padak 2025” in recognition of their contributions to the fisheries sector.
National Fisheries Week 2025 began across the country today, aiming to enhance resources, promote sustainable development, and raise awareness about conservation. This year’s theme is “Building sanctuaries makes the country rich with local fish.”
