Minister urges safe, quality fish production and exports.
Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid today called for a concerted effort to increase fish production to meet the country's growing consumer demand while stressing that quality and safety must remain uncompromised at every stage of production.
"While the country no longer faces major food production deficits, ensuring the production of safe and high-quality food remains a major challenge. Quality production is crucial for Bangladesh to drive economic growth through agricultural exports," he said.
Aminur, who is also in-charge of the Ministry of Agriculture, made the remarks as the chief guest at the 'Aquaculture Knowledge Day 2026', organised by Fishtech BD Limited at a city hotel.
He urged researchers, scientists and entrepreneurs to work together to ensure safe food for the domestic market while enhancing the credibility and global competitiveness of Bangladeshi products in international trade.
"Nearly 75 percent of the country's population is directly or indirectly engaged in agriculture. Economically empowering this large segment of the population will help permanently strengthen the national economy. The two key objectives of agricultural growth are to meet domestic demand and establish a strong foothold in global markets," the minister said.
Addressing the research community, Mohammed Aminur Rashid called for reducing reliance on antibiotics and vaccines and urged scientists to focus on developing natural alternatives.
"People now demand safe, healthy and quality food. No production method should be adopted that poses long-term health risks to consumers," he added.
Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Delwar Hossain and Director General (DG) of the Department of Fisheries Dr Md Khaled Kanak spoke as special guests.
Janna Van Der Linden, deputy head of Mission at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, was present at the function, presided over by Fishtech BD Limited Chairman Khondaker Farhad Hossain.
The 'Aquaculture Knowledge Day 2026' provided a platform for sharing knowledge and insights on modern fisheries technologies, eco-friendly farming techniques, ecosystem conservation, safe food production and public awareness.
