State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, Md. Abdul Wadud, MP, emphasized that with the future generation of the country in mind, the government is augmenting its investment in the research sector of ‘Fisheries and Aquaculture’ recognizing its immense potential. This commitment from the government underscores its dedication to advancing our nation towards becoming a developed and prosperous ‘Smart Bangladesh’ by 2041, as directed by the honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Moreover, in the interest of the nation’s greater welfare, concerted efforts must be made to attract increased allocations from abroad at both individual and institutional levels.
Today (June 8) at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Senate Bhavan of Rajshahi University (RU), the State Minister delivered a speech as the chief guest at the opening session of the two-day-long ‘International Fisheries and Aquaculture Conference-2024’ organized by the ‘Fisheries Faculty’ and the ‘Bangladesh Fisheries Research Forum’. Highlighting ‘Fisheries and Aquaculture’ as a captivating field of research, he emphasized the benefits of cooperative farming in advancing research and development within this sector. He stressed the need to bolster the country’s economy through scientific research projects while exercising caution to safeguard the environment, particularly avoiding damage to soil fertility during aquaculture.
State Minister Wadud asserted, “The proverb ‘Bengali on fish-rice ‘ is an integral part of our heritage. A Bengali meal without fish is unthinkable.” He lauded Bangladesh’s reputation for exporting a diverse array of fish species, including Hilsha, ‘White Gold’ Shrimp, and GI products, meeting the non-meat dietary preferences of its populace while generating significant remittances. Additionally, he proudly announced Bangladesh’s leading position globally in Hilsa production, accounting for 86 percent of the total yield and its top-three status in freshwater and farmed fish production.
The conference theme ‘Smart Aquaculture and Fisheries for Safe Food Production’ was chaired by the convener of the conference preparation committee and Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries, Professor Dr. Md. Mostafizur Rahman Mondal. Among the distinguished speakers were Rajshahi University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Golam Sabbir Satta as the main sponsor, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Md. Sultan Ul Islam, and Prof. Md. Humayun Kabir as sponsors.
Keynote addresses were delivered by Professor Anilav Kaviraj from Kalyani University of West Bengal, India, and Dr. Binoy Kumar Burman, the Bangladesh Representative of the World Fish Interim. The discussion panel included the President of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Forum Prof. Joardar Farooq Ahmed and Prof. Akhtar Hossain from the Fisheries Department. Tariqul Islam, the member secretary of the conference preparation committee, delivered the welcome speech. The two-day conference will conclude on Sunday evening with the closing ceremony and prize distribution.
