Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain said the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock will work in close coordination to protect Bangladesh’s waterways and conserve its valuable fisheries resources.
He made the remarks during a meeting with Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar at the Shipping Ministry in Dhaka.
Adviser Farida Akhtar emphasised that maintaining river navigability is essential to boost the reproduction and production of domestic fish, including Hilsa.
“Fish reproduction is being hindered by submerged rocks and excessive siltation. Dredging activities during the prohibited Hilsa breeding season further disrupt the natural spawning process,” she noted.
She added that river pollution is also contributing to the decline in fish production and underscored the need for close collaboration among the Ministries of Shipping, Fisheries and Livestock, and Water Resources to address these issues.
Sakhawat Hossain said that the fisheries sector plays a vital role in Bangladesh’s economy and remains a key national resource and export commodity. “The Ministry of Shipping will extend full cooperation in the production, conservation, and protection of Hilsa fish,” he assured.
He further said that if the Ministry of Shipping is informed in advance of the restricted periods for Hilsa and Jatka conservation, dredging operations could be suspended during those times to prevent harm to breeding grounds.
The meeting also decided that officials from both ministries will jointly conduct surveys to maintain normal river flow and support fish conservation. Discussions were held on ensuring fair wages and better facilities for temporary workers in the fisheries sector.
Shipping Secretary Delwara Begum, senior officials from the Ministries of Fisheries and Livestock, Labour and Employment, as well as representatives from BIWTA, BIWTC, and the Department of Shipping were present at the meeting.
