Fisheries and Livestock Minister Sultan Salahuddin Tuku announced that around 27,000 registered fishermen of Kaptai Lake will be gradually brought under the agriculture card scheme. This initiative is expected to make government assistance and incentives more accessible and contribute positively to improving their livelihoods.
He made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing a fish fry release program held at the BFDC ghat, organized by the Kaptai Lake Fisheries Development and Marketing Center, Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC), and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.
The Minister said that Kaptai Lake is an important natural resource of the country. Due to long-term sedimentation, the navigability of the lake has decreased, negatively affecting fish production and other sectors. He emphasized that dredging activities will help restore the lake’s vitality and unlock its economic potential.
He said that the current government is working relentlessly for the overall development of the agriculture, health, and fisheries sectors. The government aims to improve the quality of life of all citizens through sustainable development. Several projects have already been implemented to modernize the fisheries sector, increase production, and improve the livelihoods of fishermen, with more initiatives underway.
Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (Additional Secretary) Chairman Md. Imam Uddin Kabir was presided over the program. Special guests included Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Md. Delwar Hossain, BGB Rangamati Sector Commander Colonel Abu Mohammad Siddiq Alam, Director General of Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute Dr. Anuradha Bhadra, Acting Deputy Commissioner Md. Mobarak Hossain, Additional Superintendent of Police Iqbal Hossain, and Manager of Kaptai Fisheries Development and Marketing Center Commander Md. Fayez Al Karim, among others.
The Minister released fish fry into Kaptai Lake and distributed VGF rice among fish farmers.