Yunus urges strengthened research for sustainable fishing

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has called for increased research efforts to ensure sustainable fish harvesting in the Bay of Bengal. He emphasized the need for scientific surveys to guide proper fishing practices and preserve the country’s aquatic resources.

Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of National Fisheries Week 2025, held at the China Friendship Conference Center in the capital, Dr. Yunus said that while fish is a divine gift and a vital natural resource, human negligence and environmental abuse are putting this resource at serious risk.

“Fish is a gift from nature, a blessing from Allah,” he stated. “But our cruelty toward nature is alarming. If we continue down this path, fish will disappear from our fate.”

Dr. Yunus criticized current practices such as the use of illegal fishing nets, river pollution through waste dumping, contamination of water bodies, and the application of banned pesticides in agriculture — all of which he described as severe threats to the country’s fishery sector.

Despite the vast potential of marine resources in the Bay of Bengal, he noted that they remain underutilized. However, he welcomed the government's recent initiatives to hold discussions with neighboring countries to address this issue.

He also warned of the growing impacts of climate change on fish production, urging the development of sustainable methods to mitigate the crisis. “The adverse effects of climate change are placing fish production under threat. We must innovate and adopt sustainable solutions,” he said.

Dr. Yunus further stressed the importance of boosting fish exports alongside meeting domestic demand, adding, “There is enormous potential in the fisheries sector, but also significant challenges. We must take a coordinated approach and show kindness toward nature.”