A Correspondent:
Rangamati: State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said dredging work of the Kaptai Lake will be initiated to restore its navigability.
He said this yesterday while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of a program on re-leasing fish fry in Kaptai Lake and distributing VGF rice among fishermen at Kaptai Fisheries Develop-ment and Marketing (BFDC) Centre.
“Fish production in the lake has declined due to reduced navigability and fish are no longer available as before. Therefore, the government will take measures, including dredging, to restore the lake’s naviga-bility,” he said.
The state minister also said dredging work will be undertaken at an appropriate time after assessing its feasibility.
Tuku said fishing must remain suspended during the three-month ban period to boost the production.
Mentioning that Kaptai Lake has a long tradition as a reservoir of fisheries resources, he said “Fishing must remain suspended for the three months and all concerned must be aware to keep the lake free from pollution.”
Fish traders and farmers must work sincerely to prevent pollution, and everyone should come forward to keep the lake pollution-free, he added.
The state minister said the government has already introduced farmer cards, and fishermen will also be brought under this scheme. They will receive loan facilities and there are ten categories under the farmer card, he added.
Pointing out the party’s slogan ‘Bangladesh First’, he urged all to uphold patriotism.
The program aims to increase fish production, meet the demand for animal protein, create employment and improve the livelihood of fishermen.
Chairman of Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation Imam Uddin Kabir was in the chair while Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Delwar Hossain and local government officials were present.
After the inaugural ceremony, fish fry were released into Kaptai Lake following the distribution of VGF rice among fishermen at the BFDC fish landing centre in Rangamati.
