Govt plans new fish sanctuaries in haor and wetlands
The government is planning 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 announced plans to replace the conventional leasing system for water bodies, or jolmohal, with a new framework designed to protect the interests of local communities, according to a press release.
He made the remarks while speaking to reporters on Saturday afternoon after inspecting the venue for the inauguration of National Fisheries Fortnight 2026 at Achmita George Institute Mini Stadium in Katiadi upazila, Kishoreganj.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Addressing the decline in indigenous fish species, the minister attributed the trend to environmental degradation, excessive use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers, habitat loss and the reduction of natural fish sanctuaries.
"To tackle this, the government plans to construct deep reservoirs and large enclosures in haors and wetlands to ensure safe breeding grounds and preserve fish," he said, adding that protecting fish eggs and fry would help restore the country's aquatic biomass naturally.
Regarding concerns over microplastics in fish, the minister described the issue 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 reduce the associated risks.
On the government's crackdown on destructive "China Duari" fishing nets, the minister said the small-mesh traps damage aquatic biodiversity by indiscriminately capturing both fry and mature fish. He called for strict administrative action alongside community support to eliminate their use.
He said the government continues to provide registered fishers with food assistance and alternative livelihood support during seasonal fishing bans to protect their livelihoods.
"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 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, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr Md Khaled Kanak and Deputy Commissioner of Kishoreganj Sohana Nasrin, among other senior officials, were present during the inspection.
