KOTIADI : Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today formally inaugurated the National Fisheries Fortnight-2026, aiming to further strengthen the fisheries sector to advance the government's goal of building a self-reliant and welfare-oriented Bangladesh.

The fortnight-long programme, being observed from August 16 to 30 under the theme 'A self-reliant nation through silver fish, Bangladesh first,' includes various activities aimed at conserving fisheries resources, releasing fish fry and encouraging fish farmers. 

The Prime Minister inaugurated the programme around 3pm at the mini-stadium of Achimita George Institute in Kotiadi.

Upon his arrival at the venue, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid, State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku and State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam welcomed the Prime Minister. 

As part of the National Fisheries Fortnight, the Prime Minister presented National Fisheries Awards (gold medals) to 14 individuals and organisations in 13 categories, recognising their outstanding contributions to fisheries production, research, innovation, administrative efficiency and entrepreneurship development. 

The programme began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. A documentary was then screened highlighting various measures taken by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia in the past for the development of the country's fisheries resources, as well as plans undertaken by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for the sector.

The Prime Minister later joined a photo session with the award recipients.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid chaired the programme.

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, State Minister for Local Government Mir Shah Alam, State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam, Kishoreganj-2 lawmaker Jalal Uddin, Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Delwar Hossain and Department of Fisheries Director General Dr Md Khaled Kanak, among others, attended the programme.

Before arriving at Achimita, the Prime Minister visited the Kotiadi Carp Hatchery.

After the National Fisheries Fortnight programme, the Prime Minister is scheduled to join a tree plantation programme at Sholakia Ground and a Family Card distribution programme at Kishoreganj Stadium.

Tarique Rahman will leave Kishoreganj for Dhaka in the evening after completing the programmes.