Rajshahi's fresh fish to be exported abroad: Minister

Land Minister Md Mizanur Rahman Minu has said arrangements will be made to export fresh fish from Rajshahi abroad via cargo planes. The Rajshahi airport will be further expanded to facilitate these exports. He said Rajshahi will continue to progress with time.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion and prize distribution event organised at the District Shilpakala Academy on Sunday to mark National Fisheries Week-2026. Earlier, he released fish fry into the Collectorate Pond in Rajshahi, followed by a colourful rally that paraded through various city streets.

The minister said Bangladesh will advance through fisheries, currently ranking eighth globally and standing first or second in certain categories. In the future, the country will progress even further.

He noted that many people's children are now studying, with many completing MA and BA degrees, and they will pursue various professions.

The minister added that in the coming days, Bangladesh will lead in several sectors. The battle will not be over land, but over freshwater. Bangladesh has the largest reserve of sweet water, which is more valuable than petrol and will become even more so in the future. Several countries still fight over river water.

He further said the canals and wetlands around Rajshahi will be made suitable for fish farming. Farmers will export their fish abroad and earn foreign currency. He called on Rajshahi's farmers to cultivate fish using indigenous methods.

The event was chaired by Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam and attended by Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner ANM Dr Bazlur Rashid, Rajshahi City Corporation Administrator Md Mahfuzur Rahman Riton, Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Foyzul Kabir, Rajshahi Range Additional DIG Khondkar Md Shamim Hossain, and Rajshahi Divisional Fisheries Officer Saifuddin Yahia. Welcome address was delivered by District Fisheries Officer Md Jahangir Alam.

This year's National Fisheries Week is being celebrated under the theme "Self-reliant country with silvery fish, Bangladesh ahead of all", organised by the district administration and Department of Fisheries, Rajshahi.