Adviser calls for joint effort to protect hilsa, regulate pricing
Farida Akhtar, Honourable Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, has stressed that protecting Hilsa, Bangladesh's national fish, is a collective national duty, not just the responsibility of the Fisheries Ministry.
She made these remarks while speaking as chief guest at a workshop titled "Assessment and Future Actions of the Hilsa and Jatka Conservation Campaign 2024–25" held on Wednesday morning at the SIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka.
The Department of Fisheries organised the event to evaluate progress and plan future strategies for Hilsa and juvenile Hilsa (jatka) conservation.
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"Hilsa has brought Bangladesh international recognition," said the Adviser. "Its protection is essential—not just by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, but also by the Office of the Chief Adviser and all concerned institutions."
Addressing concerns over the rising price of Hilsa, she remarked: "Hilsa is not an everyday fish, but a delicacy to be enjoyed occasionally. Yes, good things come at a premium—but the price should not be inflated to Tk2,000 per kg. The unique taste of Hilsa from the Padma and Meghna is unrivalled, and we must protect this national treasure."
She also suggested that the Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) could lead by example by offering Hilsa at regulated prices to help stabilise the market. She announced plans to engage with the Ministry of Commerce, Consumer Rights Directorate, and traders to prevent unjustified price hikes.
The Adviser praised the impact of the Hilsa conservation campaign that began in 2014, highlighting achievements such as seasonal fishing bans, alternative livelihoods for fishermen, and robust awareness drives. These efforts have significantly reduced jatka catching and boosted Hilsa production.
The workshop was chaired by Dr Md Abdur Rouf, Director General of the Department of Fisheries. Md Tofazzal Hossain, Secretary (In-Charge), Syeda Nowara Jahan, Additional Secretary, and Farah Shamme, Chairman of BFDC, attended as special guests. The keynote was presented by Md Ahsan Hasib Khan, Deputy Director of the Department, with the welcome address delivered by Md Zia Haider Chowdhury, Additional Director General (Current Charge).
