President M Abdul Hamid has asked the authorities concerned, particularly the fisheries and livestock ministry, to take pragmatic steps to cultivate and preserve different varieties of local fish. He also called for ensuring strict surveillance to prevent any harm to the fisheries sector, said a BSS report. “Nowadays it is often found in newspapers that harmful chemicals are used in the production of fish feed. Strict surveillance must be ensured so that none can harm this huge potential sector for making more profit,” the President said at a function at Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban marking the ‘National Fisheries Week-2017.’ He also underscored the need for joint efforts by non-government organisations, fishermen, fish producers, traders and exporters along with the government to boost fish production and ensure proper management of water bodies. “Production of local fishes has decreased to a large extent and some varieties of local fishes are facing extinction. So, we must take steps to encourage people to cultivate and preserve different varieties of local fish for maintaining biodiversity,” he said. The President suggested proper enforcement of different laws related to fish production and preservation and also asked the authorities concerned to make people, especially the fish producers and traders, aware of these laws. “It’s not the responsibility of the government alone to increase fish production and maintain proper management of vast aquatic resources,” he noted. Referring to the role of fisheries sector in ensuring food security, economic development, fulfilling the demand of protein and earning foreign currencies, Mr Hamid said about 11 per cent population of the country depend on this sector for their living. He also recalled the farsighted initiatives by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for increasing fish production of local species as he started releasing fish fries first at the Ganabhaban Lake in 1973. “Bangladesh achieved the fourth position in freshwater fish production in 2016,” the President informed – thanking all concerned, including the fish producers, scientists and researchers, in the sector. Later, he released fish fries in Danadighi Pond of Bangabhaban. Fisheries and Livestock Minister Muhammad Sayedul Hoque, MP, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Narayan Chandra Chanda, MP, Secretary M Maksudul Hasan Khan and Director General of Fisheries Department Syed Arif Azad, among others, were present.