Hilsa Conservation: Focus on Jatka Protection
Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid today called upon scientists to become more actively involved in research to conserve jatka and increase its production.
“It is important to work in a planned manner on issues such as how to maximize jatka production and how to increase their numbers by ensuring proper hatching of hilsa eggs,” he said.
He made these remarks while speaking as chief guest at a workshop titled “Hilsa Research: Achievements, Jatka Conservation and Future Actions”, at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council auditorium on the occasion of Jatka Conservation Week 2026.
The event was organized with the theme: “If jatka fishing stops, seas and rivers will be filled with hilsa.”
The minister emphasized the need to develop methods that do not compromise the natural flavour and characteristics of hilsa, yet boost production to meet national demand.
Addressing fishermen, he said that the nets and rivers belong to them, and therefore they are in the best position to suggest effective measures to stop jatka fishing.
He added that the shortage of hilsa is now a national issue, and production must be increased to make this valuable fish accessible to the general public.
As a special guest, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku said that hilsa is a geographical indication product of Bangladesh and that about 70–80pc of the world’s hilsa is produced in the country.
He urged everyone to be more aware of protecting this important resource.
Tuku said completely stopping jatka fishing would significantly increase hilsa production, which could greatly contribute to the national economy and further enrich the country.
Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md. Delwar Hossain spoke as the guest of honour with Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute Director General Dr Anuradha Bhadra in the chair.
Director General of the Department of Fisheries Md. Zia Haider Chowdhury, Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Professor Dr. Kazi Ahsan Habib and Director of the Department of Fisheries Dr Md Motaleb Hossain also spoke.
Chief Scientific Officer of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute Dr. Mohammad Ashraful Alam presented the keynote paper.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the Fisheries Research Institute, the Department of Fisheries, along with fishermen, fish farmers, and others, were present at the event.
