DHAKA : Fisheries and Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid today urged scientists and researchers to truly dedicate themselves to basic research 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 Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) titled ‘Innovation of Vaccines to Prevent Freshwater Fish Disease’ held at the auditorium of the Soil Resource Development Institute (SRDI) here.

He said the country’s fisheries sector has a huge potential and opportunities while there is no alternative to research and innovation in the development of this sector. 

Aminur said the government will specially honour those who will make significant contributions through research, whether as individuals or institutions. 

The government wants to give due status to eminent people, scientists and researchers, he said. 

Besides, he said, it is looking forward to their role in developing new innovations and technologies.

The minister said 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, its visible results and research trend need to be established, he mentioned.

Aminur said water quality is one of the main regulators of fish farming. 

If water can be ensured suitable for fish, fish diseases can be addressed to a large extent, he said, adding that scientists and fisheries officials should work together to this end.

Voicing concern that many natural fish species in the country are at risk of extinction, the fisheries and livestock minister said the biodiversity of natural waterbodies is being destroyed due to various environmental reasons, including excessive use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers in agriculture. 

Therefore, he said, research, awareness and effective initiatives are essential to conserve and restore native fish species.

Speaking as a special guest, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku said 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 time-befitting one.

He said there is no alternative to conducting effective research to increase the disease resistance of fish and control pests.

The state minister said the trend of irrational and uncontrolled use of antibiotics in fish farming is increasing, which is very risky for public health and the environment.
 
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 said every responsible person and institution of the state should fulfill their respective responsibilities with honesty, dedication and professionalism. 

The state is run with the people's tax money, so everyone must fulfill their responsibilities with responsibility towards the people, he said.

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.