Hilsa has given us a special status in the world, and it is our national duty to protect it, said Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhtar.
She said, protecting the national fish Hilsa is not only the responsibility of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the Office of the Chief Advisor is also responsible.
The advisor said these things in her speech as the chief guest at a workshop titled "Evaluation of Jatka and Hilsa Conservation Implementation 2024-25 and Future Actions" organized by the Department of Fisheries at the CIRDAP auditorium this morning.
Highlighting the public`s concerns about the price of hilsa, the advisor said, "We should not be upset because the price of hilsa is high. When something is good, its price is a little higher. Good things are not for daily use - they are enjoyed occasionally. Hilsa is the pride of our nation and we must protect it."
Regarding the price of hilsa, she said, it would not be right for this fish to cost Tk 2000 per kg. This kind of resource is available in only 11 countries in the world. However, the taste of hilsa from Padma Meghna is not available anywhere in the world. That is, hilsa from each region has its taste.
She also said, "If Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation can set an example by setting a special price and selling hilsa, it will have an impact on the market." I will also discuss with the Ministry of Commerce, Consumer Rights, and traders to ensure that the price of hilsa is not increased unnecessarily."
The speakers at the workshop mentioned that the hilsa conservation campaign that started in 2014 has made a significant contribution to protecting Bangladesh`s fisheries resources. As a result of seasonal bans during spawning, assistance for fishermen to earn alternative livelihoods, and extensive awareness initiatives, Jatka fishing has significantly reduced, and hilsa production has increased significantly.
Presided over by the Director General of the Department of Fisheries, Dr. Md. Abdur Rouf, Secretary (Routine Responsibilities), Md. Tofazzel Hossain, Additional Secretary, Syeda Nawara Jahan, Chairman of the Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation, Farah Shammi, senior officials of the ministry, teachers at various universities, and officials at various levels of the Department of Fisheries were present at the time.
The welcome speech was delivered by the Additional Director General (Current Responsibilities) of the Department of Fisheries, Md. Zia Haider Chowdhury, and the main article was presented by the Deputy Director of the Department, Md. Ahsan Hasib Khan.
