Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid on Wednesday urged scientists and researchers to truly dedicate themselves to basic research in order to move the country forward.
He said, “researchers must prove that their research is unique from existing global research, innovative and capable of providing effective solutions to real problems.”
The livestock minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inception workshop of a project of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) titled ‘Innovation of Vaccines to Prevent Freshwater Fish Disease’, which was held at the auditorium of the Soil Resource Development Institute (SRDI).
He said again that the country’s fisheries sector has huge potential and opportunities, and that there is no alternative to research and innovation in the development of this sector.
Aminur Rashid stated, “the government will especially honour those who make significant contributions through research, whether as individuals or institutions.”
“The government wants to give due status to eminent people, scientists and researchers,” he mentioned.
Besides, he further mentioned, “it is excited for their role in developing new innovations and technologies.”
The minister also stated, “although there are many research institutions in Bangladesh, a clear and distinct research trend has not yet been developed.”
“As research activities are being conducted in the country, we need to establish their visible results and research trend,” he mentioned.
Aminur told at the conference that water quality is one of the main regulators of fish farming.
If water can be ensured to be suitable for fish, fish diseases can be addressed to a large extent, he said, adding that scientists and fisheries officials should work together towards this end.
The minister expressed concern that many natural fish species in the country are at risk of extinction and added that the biodiversity of natural waterbodies is being destroyed due to various environmental reasons, including excessive use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers in agriculture.
“Research, awareness and effective initiatives are essential to conserve and restore native fish species,” he further added.
Speaking as a special guest, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku continued, saying that the initiative to develop vaccines to preserve freshwater fish, which are part of the daily diet of the country’s people, in a disease-free and sustainable manner is very timely.
He said, “there is no alternative to conducting effective research to increase the disease resistance of fish and control pests.”
“The trend of irrational and uncontrolled use of antibiotics in fish farming is increasing, which is very risky for public health and the environment,” he said.
“Even some antibiotics used for livestock are being used in fish farming, which is a matter of concern,” he added.
Tuku called upon the Department of Fisheries to take strict monitoring and control measures in this regard.
He mentioned again that every responsible person and institution of the state should fulfil their respective responsibilities with honesty, dedication and professionalism.
He said, “The state runs on the people’s tax money, so everyone must fulfil their responsibilities towards the people with responsibility.”
Chaired by Director General of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute Dr Anuradha Bhadra, the event was addressed, among others, by Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Delwar Hossain, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr Md Khaled Kanak and Director General of the Department of Livestock Md Shahzaman Khan.
Dr Md Sirajum Monir presented the main paper of the project at the workshop.
Senior officials of the ministry, teachers from different universities, scientists, researchers from BFRI, fisheries experts and relevant stakeholders were present.
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