Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar said exporters and producers must follow international standards in shrimp exports to sustain Bangladesh’s access to global markets.
“Although Bangladeshi shrimp is recognised worldwide for its taste and quality, international buyers strictly assess health standards, environmentally friendly production methods and antibiotic-free status, not just size or flavour,” she said.
She made the remarks on Saturday morning while visiting the Faltita Fish Landing Centre in Fakirhat upazila of Bagerhat and exchanging views with depot owners.
The adviser said the illegal inflow of goods from abroad, including India, or within the country was unacceptable, as it harms government revenue and prevents traders from benefiting fairly, often forcing goods to be discarded and wasting national resources.
On electricity support, she said subsidised power is available to agriculture but not yet to fisheries, adding that work on the issue has been ongoing for past year.
She expressed optimism that coordination among relevant ministries would ensure nearly 20 percent electricity benefits for the fisheries sector soon.
Responding to a question, Farida Akhtar said the government would take a tough stance against whoever was involved in the shooting of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi linked to the election, stressing that public responsibility alongside police efforts was essential to reduce security risks.
She said the government has taken maximum preparations to ensure the upcoming election is held in a fair and secure manner.
Addressing sectoral challenges, the adviser said systemic shortcomings have prevented Bangladesh from fully benefiting from fisheries, noting that legal restrictions on collecting fry from natural sources mean hatchery capacity must be expanded to increase fry production.
She added that shrimp exports fell behind due to policy flaws of the previous government and said effective measures would be taken quickly to remove existing disparities in exports.
Director General Department of Fisheries Md Abdur Rouf, Joint Secretary Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Abu Naim Muhammad Abdus Sabur, Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner Golam Md Baten, District Fisheries Officer Raj Kumar Biswas and other officials were present at the meeting.
