Govt to modernise Kaptai Lake Fisheries Centre: Farida Akhtar

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar has stated that the government aims to modernise the Kaptai Lake Fisheries Development and Marketing Centre of the Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC), particularly its landing station, through investment.

'Our goal is to modernise the Kaptai Lake Fisheries Development and Marketing Centre of the BFDC – especially the landing station – through investment. If this centre is developed, fisheries activities not only in Rangamati but throughout the country will become more dynamic,' she told reporters after inspecting various BFDC operations in Rangamati Hill District on Tuesday afternoon.

The adviser visited the fish landing pier, fish landing station, ice mill, and other facilities of the BFDC's Kaptai Lake Fisheries Development and Marketing Centre. BFDC Chairman (Additional Secretary) Farah Shammi, BFDC Rangamati Manager Commander Faiz Al Karim, and local fish traders were present during the visit.

Farida Akhtar commented that it is unfortunate that, despite the economic importance of fisheries in Bangladesh, the BFDC centre remains in a dilapidated condition. She noted that the Rangamati centre has long played a vital role in fish harvesting, preservation, and marketing, with processed fish regularly supplied to various parts of the country, including Dhaka.

'Despite these important activities, proper attention has not been paid to the development of the centre's infrastructure,' she said, adding that the government will continue investing to modernise the institution.

Later in the afternoon, the adviser visited the fish sanctuaries adjacent to the Rangamati Deputy Commissioner's bungalow and the BFDC office. She enquired about the overall condition of the sanctuaries, the status of fish breeding in the protected areas, and the participation of local fishermen.