Fisheries, Livestock, and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid today stressed the need for higher budget allocations to the fisheries sector while calling for strict transparency, accountability, and prevention of financial waste.

​ He was speaking as the chief guest at a workshop titled "Budget and Government Development Vision in the Fisheries Sector" organised by the Department of Fisheries at Matsya Bhaban in the capital this morning (6 October).

​Noting that the identity of "Mache-Bhate Bangali" is deeply rooted in the fisheries sector, the minister said the availability of native fish species has declined due to shrinking natural water bodies and environmental shifts. "Therefore, alongside boosting production, priority must be given to preserving the natural habitats of fish," he said.

Underlining the importance of fish sanctuaries, the minister cautioned that merely launching projects and spending money is not enough. Field-level verification is needed to evaluate whether these sanctuaries are effective, he added.

​"The primary purpose of sanctuaries is to create opportunities for fish breeding and reproduction. Regular reviews are necessary to examine where money was spent, what was actually accomplished, and its impact on overall fish production," the minister noted.

​ He also called for vigilance regarding the list of fishermen, warning that if fake or ineligible persons are included, genuine fishermen are deprived of government aid. Local officials must play a more responsible role during verification, he urged.

​ Referring to deep-sea fishing, the minister observed that while various nations commercially harvest tuna in international waters, Bangladesh can also harness this potential.

​"Instead of merely conducting surveys and spending money, a clear plan is required to translate survey findings into actual marine harvesting. To tap deep-sea resources, Bangladesh must develop skilled manpower, suitable vessels, and technological capacity," he said.

​Speaking as the special guest, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku stressed encouraging young entrepreneurs and offering necessary advice and technical support to fish farmers. He instructed field-level officials to regularly inspect farms and monitor activities.

​The state minister said the government is working to step up freshwater fish production, expand exports, and bring canals, rivers, and other water bodies under fish cultivation.

​Pollution-free water bodies, river navigability, fish processing, and export promotion are vital for the sustainable development of the sector, the state minister added.

​Chaired by Department of Fisheries Director General Dr. Md. Khaled Kanak, the workshop was attended by Ministry Secretary Md. Delwar Hossain as honored guest and Public Service Commission Member Prof. A.S.M. Golam Hafiz as discussant, alongside senior officials of the ministry and department.