Published: 10:04 AM, 07 May 2026
'Kaptai Lake's fishermen to bring under farmer card scheme'
About 27,000 fishermen of Kaptai Lake in Rangamati will bring under the farmer card scheme to boost the fish production said State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku.
He came with the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of a programme on releasing fish fry in Kaptai Lake and distributing VGF rice among fishermen at Kaptai Fisheries Development and Marketing (BFDC) Centre on Wednesday.
The state minister said, "Fish production in the lake has declined due to reduced navigability and fish are no longer available as before. Therefore, the government will take measures, including dredging, to restore the lake's navigability."
The state minister also said dredging work will be undertaken at an appropriate time after assessing its feasibility.
Tuku said fishing must remain suspended during the three-month ban period to boost the production.
Mentioning that Kaptai Lake has a long tradition as a reservoir of fisheries resources, he said "Fishing must remain suspended for the three months and all concerned must be aware to keep the lake free from pollution." Pointing out the party's slogan 'Bangladesh First', he urged all to uphold patriotism.
The programme aims to increase fish production, meet the demand for animal protein, create employment and improve the livelihood of fishermen.
Chairman of Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation Imam Uddin Kabir was in the chair while Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Delwar Hossain and local government officials were present.
After the inaugural ceremony, fish fry were released into Kaptai Lake following the distribution of VGF rice among fishermen at the BFDC fish landing centre in Rangamati.
Organized by Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation, Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md. Delwar Hossain, Naval Police Additional DIG Nuruzzaman, BGB Rangamati Sector Commander Colonel Abu Mohammad Siddique Alam, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute Director General Dr. Anuradha Bhadra, acting District Administrator of Rangamati Md. Mobarak Hossain and senior officials of the administration were present on the occasion.
>>M Nazim Uddin in Rangamati
