DHAKA: The government has already taken decision to revive water bodies across the country in a bid to boost fish production for fulfilling the demand of protein for the people.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina came up with the disclosure while inaugurating the ‘National Fisheries Week-2019’ at Krishibid Institute of Bangladesh (KIB) in the capital city on Thursday (July 18).

“We have already taken decision to bring back all of our water bodies such as pond, khal (canal) and beel (water body) to its earlier position to increase the production of fisheries,” she said.  

Calling upon all not to keep any water body unused, the premier said 'We have met need of food items. Now look at nutrients. Fisheries must be cultivated in beels, jhil, haor, bawr, canel and rivers. There is no safe nutrition than fish. '

Referring to the government's centennial-long delta plan, the Prime Minister said, "We are dredging rivers of Bangladesh so that its flow and navigability increases. And if the flow of water increases, the production of fish will increase. At the same time, it will be easier to face any disaster related to climate change”.

Earlier, the premier distributed the ‘National Fisheries Award- 2019’ among 17 institutions and individuals for their contributions in the fisheries sector.

The prime minister, then, handed over eight gold medals and nine silver medals to 17 individuals and institutions, including M Chhalim Uddin, MP, and Bangladesh Navy.

Each of the gold medal recipients received a Tk 50,000 cheque while the silver medal recipient Tk 30,000.

A video presentation of the country’s success in fisheries and livestock was also screened on the occasion.

BDST: 1921 HRS, JULY 18, 2019
RS/SMS