# Prime Minister Advocates for Enhanced Utilization of Water Bodies to Increase Fish Exports and Job Creation

*Prime Minister Tarique Rahman emphasized the need to maximize the use of Bangladesh's water resources to enhance fisheries production, generate employment, and increase fish exports.*

August 16, 2026 · Economy

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called upon entrepreneurs to make optimum use of the country's vast water resources to expand fisheries production, create employment for unemployed youths, and explore new overseas markets to boost export earnings. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the National Fisheries Fortnight-2026 in Kishoreganj, the Prime Minister highlighted the underutilization of many rivers, canals, beels, ponds, and haors across the country. He announced government steps to restore these water bodies and release fish fry in them, providing opportunities for unemployed youths to become self-reliant.

## Economic Contributions and Environmental Protection

The Prime Minister noted that the fisheries sector significantly contributes to the economy, with Bangladesh earning over Tk 6,000 crore in foreign exchange from fish and fisheries product exports in the 2025-26 fiscal year. He cited a recent FAO report indicating that Bangladesh ranks fifth globally in total aquatic animal production and second in fish production from inland open-water bodies. Rahman stressed the importance of protecting the environment of haors and other water bodies to conserve fisheries resources, warning against the indiscriminate disposal of waste that damages these ecosystems.

## Government Initiatives and Future Plans

Tarique Rahman outlined various government measures to support the fisheries sector, including the formation of 300 clusters in the Khulna region to increase shrimp production and the implementation of a master plan for the 'Shrimp City' project in Cox's Bazar. He mentioned the 'Hilsa Fisheries Management Action Plan,' which has significantly increased hilsa production, contributing more than one percent to the national GDP. The Prime Minister also discussed the Tk 500 crore 'Startup Fund' to promote technology-driven employment and innovation in the sector.

The National Fisheries Fortnight, themed 'A self-reliant nation through silver fish, Bangladesh first,' awarded National Fisheries Awards to 14 individuals and organizations. The Prime Minister urged entrepreneurs to explore new markets abroad for local products, citing the recent export of hatching eggs to Nigeria as a successful example. He assured the highest possible government support for such initiatives.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/economy/pm-calls-optimum-use-water-bodies-create-jobs-boost-fish-exports