State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku MP said today that the government is carrying out a nationwide fish-releasing program to conserve indigenous fish species and increase overall output.

​ He made the remarks while speaking to reporters after attending a fingerling release ceremony in the lake of the Bangladesh National Zoo. The event was organized by the Department of Fisheries (DoF) to release fingerlings into water bodies of key institutions across the Dhaka Metropolitan area under the 2026-27 fiscal year budget.

​ The State Minister informed that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the program from Kishoreganj on the occasion of National Fisheries Fortnight, following which fingerlings are being released across various districts and upazilas of the country in a phase-by-phase manner.

​”This drive is being implemented with the direct involvement of local lawmakers, public representatives, and fisheries officers,” the state minister said, adding that the government’s primary goal is to enhance fish output while saving indigenous species from extinction.

​Highlighting a steady growth in freshwater fish output, the State Minister noted that despite the country’s population growth, there is no significant shortage of fish. He said efforts are continuing to scale up production to keep pace with demand alongside a rising number of fish farmers.

​ To encourage marginal farmers, the government is extending various forms of support, he said, noting that fish farmers will soon be brought under the “Krishak Card” benefits scheme. Initiatives are also underway to provide soft loans and financial incentives to strengthen the rural economy.

​ Respending to a question regarding feed quality and antibiotic use, the State Minister emphasized that public awareness campaigns are ongoing to ensure safe fish production. Regular training is being provided to discourage unnecessary antibiotic use, while field-level officials are assisting farmers in adopting modern, scientific techniques to cut production costs and waste.

​”The government is keeping a close watch to ensure standard quality in fish feed. Regular mobile court drives are being conducted to curb low-quality feed manufacturing and marketing, protecting farmers and ensuring consumers receive safe fish,” he added.

​ Reserved seat Member of Parliament Ferdousi Ahmed, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) Md. Shahjaman Khan, Director General of DoF Dr. Md. Khaled Kanak, Director of Bangladesh National Zoo Dr. Md. Shahinur Alam, DoF Dhaka Division Director Md. Ahsan Hasib Khan, Central Poultry Farm Director Zinat Sultana, Zoo Curator Md. Habibur Rahman, and Dhaka District Fisheries Officer Md. Rokonuzzaman was present.

​Organized by the Dhaka District Fisheries Office, a total of 250 kilograms of fingerlings-comprising 100 kg of Rui, 75 kg of Katla, and 75 kg of Kalibaus-were released into the National Zoo lake to preserve biodiversity and increase native fish production. The release included roughly 2,575 fingerlings measuring 10-15 cm, consisting of 1,100 Rui, 600 Katla, and 875 Kalibaus fingerlings.