Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter on Tuesday stated that the government has enacted and amended a number of acts, ordinances, and regulations to safeguard the interests of marginal farmers while promoting sustainable production, resource conservation, and public health safety.
“The government has enacted and amended multiple acts, ordinances, and policies within the shortest possible time to ensure sustainable production, preserve resources, ensure public health safety, and protect the interests of marginal farmers,” she said.
The adviser made the remarks at a press briefing in the conference room of the ministry, highlighting programmes undertaken and achievements during the tenure of the interim government.
In the fisheries sector, Farida Akhter said fisheries sanctuaries have been declared through the Protection and Conservation of Fish (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, while restrictions on electro-fishing and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) have been given legal recognition.
She added that the government has also framed the National Fisheries Policy, 2026; the National Fisheries Award (Padak) Policy, 2026; the Fish Feed Rules, 2024; the Fisheries Quarantine Rules, 2024; and the Fish and Fish Products (Inspection and Quality Control) Rules, 2025.
The adviser noted that the fishing ban in the territorial waters of the Bay of Bengal has been reduced to 58 days from 65 days, while the use of SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging) technology in fishing trawlers has been prohibited for two years.
In the livestock sector, she said the government has formulated the National Poultry Development Policy, 2026; the Quarantine of Animal and Animal Products Ordinance, 2026; the Livestock Risk Protection Insurance Policy, 2026; the National Artificial Insemination (AI) Policy, 2026 (draft); and the Veterinary Medicines Ordinance, 2026 (draft).
Farida Akhter added that the government has taken a strategic decision to provide a 20 per cent rebate on electricity bills for growers and a subsidy of Tk 100 crore to reduce production costs, noting that the measure will also help stabilise market prices of animal products.
She said the number of registered beneficiary fishermen under the fishermen’s social safety Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme will be increased to 1.5 million from the current 1,326,486. The programme has been introduced for the first time for fishermen living in the Sundarbans and haor areas.
Meanwhile, the adviser announced that the government has decided to sell dressed broiler chicken, milk, eggs, and beef at affordable prices in Dhaka during Ramadan. The mobile sales programme will be implemented at different locations in coordination with local entrepreneurs and relevant stakeholders.
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