National fisheries week starts Sunday, 14 to get gold medals

Fourteen individuals and institutions will receive the National Fisheries Medal (Gold Medal) across 13 categories this year as part of National Fisheries Week, which is scheduled to begin next Sunday.

They will be honoured in recognition of their outstanding contributions to fisheries production, research, technological innovation, extension services, administrative efficiency and entrepreneurship development.

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Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid shared this information at a press conference held at the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock today to mark National Fisheries Week-2026.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the event at the George Institute Mini Stadium in Achmita Union under Katiadi upazila of Kishoreganj district.

With the theme “A self-sufficient country in silver fish, Bangladesh first”, National Fisheries Week will be observed across the country from August 16 to 30.

According to the minister, the fisheries sector's contribution to the national economy, food security, and nutrition continues to grow.

It currently accounts for 2.58 percent of national gross domestic product (GDP) and 22.03 percent of agricultural GDP.

Around 20.6 million people are directly or indirectly employed in the sector, a substantial number of them women.

He described fisheries as one of the key pillars of Bangladesh's food security, nutrition, employment generation, poverty reduction, foreign exchange earnings, and sustainable economic development.

The government would continue working through forward-looking policies, research, technology expansion, and coordinated efforts among stakeholders to make the sector more modern, competitive, and sustainable.

The minister also pointed to significant progress in fish availability nationwide. Per capita daily fish availability now stands at 67.80 grams, above the national nutritional target of 60 grams, meaning supply already exceeds demand.

In the 2024-25 fiscal year, the country produced over 5 million tonnes of fish, a milestone the minister attributed to the combined efforts of fishers, fish farmers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and both public and private institutions.

On the seasonal fishing ban, the minister said bans during breeding periods cannot rely on law enforcement alone — fishermen must be guaranteed alternative food and income support during the restricted period.