A Correspondent:
Kishorganj: Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid yesterday said the government will establish new fish sanctuaries in haor and wetland areas under a new system by replac-ing conventional leasing of jolmohals to boost local fresh water fish production.
The minister told this to the journalists after visiting the National Fisheries Fortnight-2026 venue at Achmita George Institute Mini Stadium in Katiadi upazila.
Introducing the new system for water bodies, or jolmohals under a new framework is now underway aiming at protecting the interests of the local people.
Once upon a time the country’s haor, wetlands, river and water bodies were abundance of local fishes, but indiscriminate use of pesticides, chemical fertilizer, depleting aquatic habitats and declining of natu-ral sanctuaries led to reduction of freshwater fishes extensively.
“To tackle this, the government plans to construct deep reservoirs and large enclosures in haors and wet-lands to ensure safe breeding grounds and preservation for fish,” Minister stated, emphasizing that pro-tecting fish eggs and fry will naturally rebuild the country’s aquatic biomass.
Expressing concern over the presence of micro-plastics, plastic pieces smaller than 5 millimeters—are widely found in both wild and farmed fish worldwide, primarily accumulating in their digestive tracts and gills, and occasionally in muscle tissue, the minister said it as a global challenge affecting both ma-rine and freshwater ecosystems.
These particles enter waterways from degraded plastic waste and clothing fibers, acting as carriers for chemical toxins and harmful bacteria.
He noted that Bangladesh will align its policies with international research and work alongside the Min-istry of Environment to mitigate the risk.
On the crackdown against destructive “China Duari” fishing nets, also known as China Duari Jaal or ring traps are long, cylindrical, foldable nylon mesh traps commonly used in ponds, canals, and rivers to catch fish, shrimp, and crabs, he said these small-mesh traps destroy aquatic biodiversity by capturing fry and mature fish alike.
He called for strict administrative action alongside community support to eliminate their use. To support vulnerable fishers during seasonal ban periods, the government continues to provide registered fishers with food assistance and alternative livelihood support.
“We want Bangladesh to reclaim its heritage as a land abundant in fish,” Minister added, mentioning that new legislation to reform water body management and integrate agricultural and fisheries policies is cur-rently being drafted for parliamentary submission.
Earlier, the Minister inspected prospective sites for fish fry release along the Old Brahmaputra River at Thana Ghat Isakha Bridge, Bahadia Pathanbari Ghat, and Chairman Bari Ghat near Mirzapur Govern-ment Primary School in Pakundia Upazila.
State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam MP, Kishoreganj-2 MP Advocate Jalal Uddin, Fisher-ies and Livestock Secretary Delwar Hossain, Director General of the Department of Fisheries (DoF) Dr. Khaled Kanak, and Deputy Commissioner of Kishoreganj Sohana Nasrin, among others, senior officials, were present during the inspection.
