DHAKA, Aug 01, 2024 (BSS) - President Mohammed Shahabuddin today released different species fish fries in the 'Shinha (lion) Pond' of Bangabhaban here.

The head of the state released the fish fingerlings this noon coinciding with the National Fisheries Week-2024 as Fisheries and Livestock Minister Md. Abdur Rahman was present. 

As many as 4718 fish fries of different species of Rui, Katla, Mrigel, Kalibaus, Mohashowl, Suborno Rui, Pabda, Gulsha and Prawns weighing 426 kg were released in the pond.

Bangabhaban's concerned secretaries - - President's Office Secretary Md. Wahidul Islam Khan, Military Secretary Major General Mohammad Adil Chowdhury and Press Secretary Md. Joynal Abedin - - Fisheries and Livestock Ministry Secretary Syed Mahmud Belal Haider and senior officials of Fisheries Directorate were also present.

Later, Pesh Imam of Bangabhaban Jame Masjid Mufti Maulana Saiful Kabir conducted a munajat on the occasion.

Every year, on the occasion of National Fisheries Week, different species of fish fries are released in the four ponds of Bangabhaban. The ponds are: Singha (lion) Pond, Danadighi, Mazar Pond and Horin (deer) Pond.

The 'National Fisheries Week-2024' is celebrated every year from July 30 to August 5 under the initiative of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, and Directorate of Fisheries with the theme "Bharbo Mache Moder Desh, Garbo Smart Bangladesh (Will fulfill our country with fishes, Build a smart Bangladesh)".

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina officially inaugurated the "National Fisheries Week, 2024" at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, Dhaka at 10:30 am on July 31. 

At the event, 22 individuals and institutions were awarded the National Fisheries Medal, 2024, in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the fisheries sector. Later, the prime minister released fish fries in Ganabhaban Lake.

As part of this week-long programme, a seminar will be held in the capital by the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) on the fourth day of the week. 

On the fifth consecutive day (August 03) of the week, Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury will release fish fries in Sangsad Bhaban Lake. 

On the 6th and 7th day, the fish fries release program will be implemented by the mayors of Dhaka South and Dhaka North City Corporations respectively, said a ministry spokesman.

Currently, Bangladesh exports fish products to more than 50 countries in the world. 

Despite the financial recession in the global market, Bangladesh earned about Taka 4496.38 crores of foreign exchange by exporting 77,408 tonnes of fish and fish products in the financial year of 2023-24. 

A five billion dollar export target has been set by 2030, the spokesman added.