Adviser Farida Akhter has declared that those using illegal fishing nets are “enemies of the country,” as they are depriving people of food.
She called for strict action not only against users but also against factories producing and selling such nets. “Raids must be conducted to shut down illegal net production,” she said.
Highlighting the need for more fish sanctuaries, she urged increased government allocations to support fish breeding. She stressed that agricultural diversification could also boost production and that new projects would be launched in the future.
Akhter emphasized inter-ministerial coordination—between the ministries of fisheries, water resources, and shipping—for effective conservation. She acknowledged that despite extensive government drives to protect jatka and conserve hilsa, low rainfall and reduced river navigability have hindered the migration of hilsa from sea to river this season, leading to lower catches.