Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is hopeful that the verdict in a maritime border dispute with India will be in Bangladesh’s favour.
Speaking at the inauguration of the National Fish Week 2014 on Wednesday, she said the victory over the massive water body will be a precursor to greater success in the fisheries sector.
“We have already settled issues with Myanmar to establish our rights over 111,631 square kilometers of area in the Bay of Bengal,” she said referring to the historic victory at the UN maritime tribunal in 2012.
“We will get the verdict this week in connection with the problem we have with India. I will urge all to pray so that it comes in our favour.”
The verdict is due to be delivered in the current week.
The prime minister said those in the fisheries sector should work hard to increase production to boost export revenue.
“We earn $50 Crore every year by exporting shrimp. The government wants to increase this and make it value added product. We could export processed shrimp, not just raw ones. Not just shrimps, there are demands for various kinds of fresh water fish.”
“I will urge the fisheries ministry to initiate the farming and processing of fresh water fishes.”
The government is helping entrepreneurs in this sector through SME foundations among other measures, she said.
Better production of fish will not only boost income but also enhance nutrition for future generation, which is a goal for her government, she said.
She proposed that unused water bodies be used for fish farming.
“Our country is filled with ponds and rivers. We can earn a lot of money by producing fish in these places. We have to make sure people are interested.”
Fish production has reached 3.4 million tonnes due to the various policies adopted in her previous tenure, said Hasina. Protein intake per capita has gone up from 45 grams to 52 grams in villages, she said.
“Fisheries sector contributes six percent to GDP and makes up for almost 60 percent of animal protein. Fish is the main source of protein for people with low-income people and those who live in villages.”
Source: Bd news24
