Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU) Vice-Chancellor (VC) GKM Mustafizur Rahman has called for a focus on safe, environmentally friendly and sustainable fish production to meet the country’s nutrition needs, highlighting the fisheries sector’s vital role in Bangladesh’s food security, employment and economy.
He made the remarks at a discussion meeting organised by the university’s Faculty of Fisheries on Tuesday to mark National Fisheries Week 2026, celebrated nationwide from 16 to 30 August under the theme “Rupali Fisheries Self-Reliant Country, Bangladesh First,” said a press release.
The event featured a rally led by the VC, with teachers, students, officials and staff carrying placards and banners on fisheries resources and aquatic biodiversity. The rally paraded through the university campus before returning to the faculty premises.
Fisheries Dean Farhana Haq presided over the discussion. Treasurer Sofiqul Islam Afrad and Proctor Mohammad Saiful Alam attended as special guests. Professor Nurun Nabi Mondal coordinated the event.
Rahman said fisheries are one of the most important foundations of Bangladesh’s food and nutrition security, employment and economy. “Increasing production alone is not enough; our goal must be safe, environmentally friendly and sustainable fish production. Teachers and students must focus on IoT and nanotechnology-based research and innovation,” he said.
He noted that the government has given significant importance to the fisheries sector, with Chief Adviser Tareq Rahman inaugurating this year’s Fisheries Week in the haor region of Kishoreganj.
The event also featured the release of fingerlings of various species, including Rui, Kalibaush, Mrigel and Sharputi, into the faculty’s pond.
Earlier, on 17 August, the District Fisheries Department and GAU’s Fisheries Faculty jointly held a meeting on “Fisheries Resources Conservation and Sustainable Production” at the faculty’s conference room, attended by district and upazila fisheries officials, local fish farmers, entrepreneurs, teachers and students.
