Agriculture and Fisheries-Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid said the government plans to establish freshwater fish sanctuaries in haors, beels, rivers and water bodies to increase the breeding and production of native freshwater fish. He made the announcement after inspecting Achmita George Institute Stadium in Katiadi on Saturday, ahead of the prime minister's scheduled Kishoreganj visit on August 16.

Under the plan, large pits and channels will be created in haor and wetland areas and reserved for brood fish. Guards will be assigned to prevent fishing inside the sanctuaries. The minister said native freshwater fish production has declined as pesticide and chemical fertilizer use in agriculture has increased and breeding grounds for brood fish have been damaged.

The programme, named “Freshwater Fish Sanctuary,” is due to begin implementation from the next season. Its plan has already been finalized and a budget has been set, the minister said. He added that secure shelter for brood fish would expand breeding opportunities and egg production, gradually increasing native fish output. Relevant stakeholders believe the initiative could also help conserve fish species facing extinction risks in haor regions.