National Fisheries Week Inaugurated with Discussion and Events in Debidwar

Md. Al-Amin, Debidwar, Cumilla (Special Correspondent. 

With the slogan, "Let’s build sanctuaries, and fill the country with local fish," National Fisheries Week 2025 has been inaugurated in Debidwar, Cumilla, through a variety of programs including a rally, discussion meeting, fish fry release, and prize distribution.

On Monday, August 18, at 4:30 p.m., a discussion meeting and prize-giving ceremony were held at the Debidwar Upazila Parishad Hall to mark the inauguration of Fisheries Week. The event's chief guest was Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Abul Hasnat Khan.

Organized by the Upazila Fisheries Office and presided over by Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Subrata Goswami, the meeting's special guests included District Farm Manager Md. Mamunur Rashid, Upazila Project Implementation Officer Md. Mizanur Rahman, Agriculture Extension Officer Md. Mahmudul Hasan Nafi, and journalist ABM Atiqur Rahman Bashar.

Also present and speaking at the event were Md. Kawsar Molla, a prominent businessman and Convener of the Upazila Jatiyatabadi Fishermen's Association; Md. Ibrahim Khalil, Convener of the Municipal Fishermen's Association; and fish farmer Md. Abul Hossain, among others.

The speakers noted that while the country is meeting its domestic demand for freshwater fish and earning foreign currency through exports, many local fish species are on the verge of extinction. They urged the administration to take measures to protect these native species. The discussion also highlighted the need for administrative oversight through market monitoring to ensure that fish sold are free of toxins, thus upholding consumer rights.

Chief guest UNO Mohammad Abul Hasnat Khan stated, "Projects to excavate canals will be undertaken to protect native fish species. Fish farmers need to be encouraged in this regard. Additionally, we must all be more aware that from April 1 to August 31, it is illegal to harvest the breeding stock of local fish like Shol, Gozar, and Taki, or their fingerlings, from any rivers, canals, or other water bodies. Using illegal 'current nets' for fishing is a punishable offense."