Fisheries and Livestock Minister Sham Rezaul Karim said the production of hilsa has increased due to the creation and management of sanctuaries at the initiative of the present government. At one time hilsa was on the verge of extinction. With the cooperation of everyone, the production of hilsa has increased. Legal action is being taken against those involved in illegal fishing. Hilsa is now available in the rivers where hilsa is not supposed to come naturally.
The minister was speaking as the chief guest at a central awareness workshop on Hilsa Resource Development and Management Project being implemented by the Fisheries Department at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council auditorium in the capital on Thursday. The workshop was organized by the Department of Fisheries.
Director General of the Department of Fisheries b. Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock was present as a special guest in the presidency of Mahbubul Haque. Muhammad Yamin Chowdhury. Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation Chairman was present as a guest on the occasion. Hemayet Hussain, Additional IG of the Naval Police. Shafiqul Islam. Concerned project director Zia Haider Chowdhury gave a welcome speech and presented the project.
The workshop was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and Fisheries Department and stakeholders of the fisheries sector.
The Minister further said that our country has the highest production of Hilsa in the world. We have got the geographical indication certificate of Hilsa. 'Bangladesh Hilsa' has enhanced our status all over the world. We must all continue our efforts to hold on to it.
He further said that due to reckless sand extraction, change in the nature of river flow or release of oily and toxic substances in the water, the environment of hilsa is ruined. Hilsa is a sensitive fish. When it does not find a suitable environment, it comes to the river from the deep sea and returns to the sea. For this, hilsa cannot be kept without creating a sanctuary for hilsa.
Addressing those involved in hilsa protection, the minister said there is no room for slack in hilsa protection. If it is thought that the production of hilsa has increased and there is no need to do anything now, then a catastrophe may come down again. A large part of the culture, tradition and culture of Bengalis is English in Bangladesh. Protecting Hilsa is the moral responsibility of every human being in the state. We want the fishermen to catch large size hilsa not jatka. Everyone must cooperate in this place.
At that time, the Minister said, our researchers are doing a lot of research on the taste, color, aroma and natural habitat of Hilsa. There is a lot of information available from the research. We want to take hilsa to the place of old age hilsa. Hilsa will be rich and delicious. Department agencies and scientists under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock are working to restore its fragrance. They are often faced with adversity while working. No matter how hostile the environment is, it has to be dealt with.
Referring to Hilsa as a national asset, the Minister further said, "Hilsa is not an ordinary fish, it is our national asset." There is no alternative but to work together to protect these resources. Hilsha should be stopped for a certain period of time till the size increases. Everyone needs cooperation to protect hilsa and other fish. If there is famine of fish and rice in the land of Bengalis, it will be a cause of loss for all. For the conservation and expansion of fisheries, these resources need to be nurtured and cared for.
The workshop was conducted that under the Hilsa Resource Development and Management Project, material assistance will be provided to the fishing families of 30,000 Hilsa fishermen to create alternative employment. This project will increase the sustainable production of Hilsa as well as contribute to the socio-economic development of Jatka and Hilsa fishermen. After the completion of the project, the production of Hilsa will increase by 18 percent and the availability of Hilsa in other rivers including Padma will increase.
