Staff Correspondent: The National Workshop on “Advancing the Sustainable Growth of Aquaculture: Exploring the Need for a National Aquaculture Policy in Bangladesh” was held on 16 November 2025 at Sheraton Dhaka, organized by the Aquaculture Network of Bangladesh (ANB) with support from CEFAS, Evolved Research Consulting, and MacAlister Elliot & Partners, UK.
The event was chaired by Prof. Dr. Md. Monirul Islam of the University of Dhaka, while Mr. Abu Tahir Muhammed Zaber, Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, attended as the Chief Guest. Dr. Md. Abdur Rouf, Director General, DoF and Rear Admiral Dr. Khandakar Akhter Hossain, Vice-Chancellor of BMU, were present as Special Guests. The workshop began with a welcome and introduction to ANB by Prof. Dr. Md. Lifat Rahi of Khulna University and BSFF.
The workshop aimed to share findings from regional stakeholder dialogues, facilitate policy-focused discussions among government, researchers, industry, and farming communities, and identify strategic priorities for sustainable aquaculture development.
Keynote presentations were delivered by Dr. Md. Motaleb Hossain on the status and advancement of Bangladesh aquaculture, Prof. Dr. Md. Abdul Wahab on the need for a National Aquaculture Policy and Dr. Maria Zaman on advancing GESI in aquaculture.
A panel discussion was held and followed by an open discussion gathering stakeholder insights on future aquaculture priorities.
The workshop concluded with expectations to establish clear policy priorities, enhance knowledge sharing and best practices, strengthen stakeholder networking, and develop actionable recommendations for a comprehensive, inclusive, and climate-resilient National Aquaculture Policy for Bangladesh.
