Agrilife24.com: A stakeholder consultation workshop on the National Fisheries Policy was held today at the Conference Room of the Cotton Development Board in Dhaka. Organized by the Department of Fisheries (DoF) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the workshop aimed to ensure inclusive dialogue in finalizing an updated climate-smart fisheries policy framework for the country. The initiative is part of FAO supported “Community-based Climate Resilient Fisheries and Aquaculture Development” project funded by Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Bangladesh's fisheries sector has become a key pillar of the national economy, contributing 3.61% to GDP, 25.30% to agricultural GDP, and 1.39% of total export earnings. The country is now self-sufficient in fish production, with a per capita supply of 62.58 grams per day, meeting domestic needs and providing over 60% of total animal protein intake. Surplus fish and shrimp are exported to major markets including the UK, US, Germany, France, India, and Japan, earning valuable foreign exchange and strengthening Bangladesh’s position in global aquaculture.
The event brought together representatives from government agencies, fishers’ associations, academia, NGOs, INGOs, private sector, and development partners. The revised policy framework focuses on enhancing climate resilience, sustainable resource management, market access, and participatory governance in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Farida Akhter, Adviser, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MoFL) and Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Representative in Bangladesh graced the event while Md. Abdur Rouf, Director General, Department of Fisheries (DoF) chaired the sessions.
Farida Akhter, Hon’ble Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, emphasized the importance of collective ownership in finalizing and implementing the policy:
“Preserving biodiversity is vital for Bangladesh, a country rich in fisheries and livestock resources. These valuable resources must be safeguarded for future sustainability. It is essential that the needs of the fisher communities are effectively addressed in the national fisheries policy.”
Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Representative in Bangladesh, reaffirmed FAO's continued partnership with the Government of Bangladesh. He stated, “FAO is proud to support the formulation of a forward-looking fisheries policy that integrates climate-smart solutions and sustainable practices. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure a thriving and equitable fisheries sector in Bangladesh.”
The consultation marked a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to align national policy with global best practices for sustainable fisheries management.
By encouraging active participation, the workshop promotes stakeholder ownership and a shared commitment to successful policy implementation. The discussions generated actionable recommendations to guide the Department of Fisheries' reform process and enhance coordination and collaboration across sectors for the sustainable development of fisheries in Bangladesh.