Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has said that the taste and quality of Bangladeshi shrimp are internationally recognized.
However, she noted that in the global market, shrimp are not judged solely on size or taste; their health standards, environmentally sustainable production methods, and antibiotic-free status are subject to strict scrutiny. Therefore, exporters and producers must strictly follow international standards and practices.
She made these remarks this morning while visiting the Faltita Fish Landing Center in Fakirhat upazila of Bagerhat and exchanging views with depot owners.
The adviser said that the inflow of goods illegally from neighboring countries, including India, or from within the country is unacceptable under any circumstances.
“Such practices harm government revenue and prevent honest traders from earning fair profits. In many cases, illegally traded goods eventually have to be discarded, resulting in a direct waste of national resources.”
On the issue of electricity, Farida Akhter said that while subsidized electricity is provided to the agricultural sector, the fisheries sector has yet to receive similar benefits. However, work has been underway on this issue for the past year. Through coordination among the relevant ministries, she expressed optimism that around a 20 percent electricity subsidy could be ensured in the near future.
Responding to a question, the adviser said that regardless of who is involved in the shooting incident of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi in connection with the election, the government will take a firm stance against those responsible.
To reduce security risks, she said, not only the police but also the general public must act responsibly. She added that the government has made maximum preparations to ensure that the upcoming election is held in a free, fair, and secure manner.
Speaking about the country’s fisheries sector, the adviser said Bangladesh has not yet been able to fully reap its potential benefits due to systemic shortcomings. As there are legal restrictions on collecting fish fry from natural sources, the number of hatcheries must be increased to boost fry production.
She also said that policy failures of previous governments have caused setbacks in the shrimp export sector. Effective measures will be taken swiftly to remove existing disparities in exports.
The meeting was attended by Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr. Md Abdur Rouf, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Dr. Abu Naim Muhammad Abdus Sabur, Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner Golam Md Baten, District Fisheries Officer Raj Kumar Biswas, and other officials from various levels of the administration.