PANCHAGARH, July 24, 2022 (BSS) - Railways' Minister Advocate Nurul Islam Sujon today emphasised development of fisheries for boosting the economy of the country.

 "There is no alternative to expanding fish production as it will help meet the nutritional need of people alongwith expediting economic progress," he said.

The minister said that we need to expand fish production at the earliest.

"We earn a lot of foreign currency by exporting fish. Our global position is third in fish production after that of India and China. In the past, we used to have huge deficit of fish sector, now all that is over. Thanks to the government's initiative", he added.

 "About 18,000 tonnes of fish is produced in Panchagarh but the district needs 21,000 tonnes. We hope to mitigate the deficit soon. We can and will boost fish production, soon", Sujon said.
 
The minister was speaking as chief guest at a meeting to observe Fisheries' week after releasing fish fries in the Debiganj upazila parishad pond with Upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) of Debiganj Golam Ferdous in the chair.

 It was addressed, among others, by Upazila Chairman Abdul Malek Chistee, Municipality Mayor Abu Bakkar Siddik, Awami League President and General Secretary Gias uddin Chowdary and Hasnat Zaman Chowdary respectively.

Fishery officer Abdul Ahad Laju conducted the programme.

Later, the minister laid the foundation stone of two-storied of Debiganj Model Government Primary School. Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) is implementing the project at a cost of Taka one crore and 36 lakh.