At an event organized by the Department of Fisheries at Daffodil International University to mark National Fisheries Fortnight 2026—held under the theme ‘A self-reliant nation through silver fish, Bangladesh first,’ —emphasis was placed on education, research, innovation, and the development of skilled human resources for the advancement of the country’s fisheries sector. Dr. Md. Latiful Islam, Director General of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) was present in the program as the chief guest while Professor Dr. Mohammad Masum Iqbal, Acting Vice-Chancellor of Daffodil International University, was present at the event as distinguished guest. Presided over by Professor Dr. Khandaker Anisul Haque, Head of the Department of Fisheries, the event was attended by special guests Professor Dr. Md. Amirul Islam, Director of the Department of Fisheries; Professor Dr. M. A. Rahim, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Science at Daffodil International University; and Dr. SK Farzana Islam (Senior Assistant Director), the District Fisheries Officer of Dhaka, a press release said.

Speaking as the chief guest, Dr. Md. Latiful Islam, Director General of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, stated that the fisheries sector plays a vital role in ensuring food and nutrition security, generating employment, fostering economic development, and building a sustainable blue economy and the current government has already undertaken various initiatives, placing significant emphasis on this sector. He further added that fisheries education should not be limited to theoretical knowledge alone; students must be equipped with practical, hands-on skills. Through smart classrooms, modern laboratories, experimental ponds, and practical-based educational programs, students must acquire real-world knowledge; simultaneously, practical workplace experience must be ensured through internships and industry linkages with various government and private institutions as well as the fisheries sector.

Highlighting the significance of National Fisheries Fortnight 2026, he stated that the government, universities, research institutions, the industrial sector, and all relevant stakeholders must work in a coordinated manner to ensure the conservation, increased production, and sustainable management of fisheries resources. He added that the country’s fisheries sector could be further enriched by engaging the younger generation in research, innovation, and entrepreneurial activities.

Professor Dr. Mohammad Masum Iqbal, Acting Vice-Chancellor of Daffodil International University, stated that Daffodil International University is the only private university in Bangladesh offering education in the field of Fisheries. This is a matter of pride for the university, as well as a significant responsibility in terms of developing skilled and knowledge-based human resources for the country’s fisheries sector.

Noting that the Department of Fisheries at DIU was established in recognition of the importance of national and international food security, the blue economy, sustainable development, and contemporary innovation, he stated that a modern, industry-friendly curriculum has been formulated to prepare students to meet the demands of the contemporary fisheries sector.

The Vice-Chancellor stated that the fisheries sector offers immense opportunities for young people to become entrepreneurs, alongside employment prospects. There is scope to foster new entrepreneurs in emerging fields such as Biofloc, Aquaponics, Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS), Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), the ornamental fish business, pearl culture, and the fish processing industry.

Highlighting the wide range of career opportunities available to fisheries graduates, he noted that, in addition to the Fisheries Cadre, they can also compete for various cadres within the general BCS. Furthermore, employment opportunities exist in diverse sectors such as the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI), Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC), Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI), various government research institutions, international and national NGOs, development agencies, fish farms, hatcheries, the feed industry, and the fish processing and export industry.