Bangladesh inaugurates National Fisheries Fortnight 2026

On August 16, 2026, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated National Fisheries Fortnight-2026 in Katiadi, Bangladesh, under the theme 'A self-sufficient country through silver fish, Bangladesh first.' The fortnight runs from August 16 to 30. In his speech, the PM emphasized environmental conservation to protect water bodies and fisheries, announced government plans to renovate unused water bodies for fish farming, and instructed State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku to take necessary steps. He highlighted that Bangladesh earned over Tk6,000 crore from fish exports to about 52 countries in FY2025-26, and cited a Food and Agriculture Organization report ranking Bangladesh fifth globally in aquatic animal production and second in inland fish capture. The PM also announced a Tk500 crore startup fund for technology-driven employment and innovation, with grants from Tk5 lakh to Tk5 crore. He noted the formation of 300 shrimp farming clusters in Khulna and a master plan for shrimp farming on 7,000 acres in Chakaria. He highlighted hilsa's contribution of about 10% of fish production and over 1% of GDP. The government will bring fish farmers under the Farmers' Card program and include fishermen in the Sundarbans and haor regions under the VGF program during fishing bans for the first time in FY2026-27. The PM also mentioned the first-ever export of hatching eggs to Nigeria in June. The event included handing over National Fisheries Medals to 14 individuals and organizations.