Jatka Conservation Week 2024 started from Monday (March 11). This year's theme is 'Hilsha is the king of fish, Jatka hunters will be punished'. On this occasion, the Department of Fisheries organized a public meeting in the mole head large station area of Chandpur and an awareness boat rally in the adjacent river. Minister of Fisheries and Livestock Abdur Rahman went to Chandpur to attend the launch rally from Dhaka. On the way back, in a private conversation with Barta24.com, the minister outlined his detailed plans for the ministry.
In a private conversation, the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock spoke about the various problems faced by fishermen and his various plans to solve them. At this time, he emphasized the importance of arranging small loans from banks for fishermen, being strict with the use of illegal nets and stopping the sources, taking smart steps to increase fish production and preparing the correct list of fishermen.
The interview was conducted by Barta24.com Staff Correspondent Ruhul Amin.
Barta24.com: It is difficult for fishermen to get small loans from banks. Do you have any plans to get loans easily in that case?
Abdur Rahman: This is a disease of ours. Negligence is fatally bad where those who exercise responsibility. We are thinking of sitting and discussing with Bangladesh Bank. If the farmer wants to grow fish in the pond or drain near his house through the micro credit scheme, if we can convince Bangladesh Bank and if they cooperate with us, then there will be two things. One is that our production will increase, secondly employment will be created. Employment of lakhs of unemployed youths can be created. It is a sector with huge potential.
Barta24.com: Your election promise this year is to build a smart Bangladesh. In that case, how do you want to make the fishing industry smarter?
Abdur Rahman: The aim of smart fisheries sector is to increase fish production. We have enough material to increase that production. In our country, it is necessary to make the canals, khals, rivers, closed reservoirs, ponds suitable for fish farming and to rehabilitate them. Thus if we venture into fish farming then surely we will get a good result from it.
Barta24.com: What steps will be taken to increase foreign exchange earnings by increasing fish exports?
Abdur Rahman: In terms of fish exports, we mainly export shrimps. We have already started various processes to start cultivation of a new shrimp variety called Venami. Its production capacity is about 40 times more than normal shrimp. If we can go there, Insha Allah, it is possible to earn satisfactory foreign exchange by exporting shrimp and hilsa. This sector will play a big role in our GDP.
Barta24.com: Hilsa is said to play a major role in Bangladesh's GDP. What kind of steps will we see in the future to protect and increase the production of hilsa?
Abdur Rahman: Hilsa is basically a natural resource. It has no chance of cultivation or rearing. So making a hundred fries from one fish is the main technique of hilsa production. If protection can be given in that place, then production is bound to increase. If we can stop fry or jatka catching, and if this work can be done successfully with various kinds of encouragement and incentives, then I think we will get an unprecedented result.
Barta24.com: The support given to fishermen during the ban on fishing does not reach the actual fishermen in many cases. In that case, is there a plan to associate public representatives with it?
Abdur Rahman: You will see that moneylenders are associated with this sector. They buy them in advance from the fishermen in the off-season with a small amount of money. Then they sell it in the market at a higher price. This culture is not new in our country.
I don't think this role can be completely eliminated. If the list of real fishermen, those who collect fish can be smartly formulated, if the government agricultural banks give those loans for a specific period, then the gangs are bound to disappear.
Barta24.com: What measures will be taken to eliminate illegal counterfeit producers?
Abdur Rahman: Is it possible to kill only illegal fakes with legal help? Who will kill this fake? Administration people. I asked the administration to look seriously but they looked less attentive, then it won't happen. However, if someone gets an opportunity to do something without hindrance, then he will get the benefit, but if there are obstacles in various ways, if he can be kept careful in various ways, then he will not be able to do that work as easily.
If I take an initiative and get 80% results then that is good enough. But I have to keep the pressure to get 100% results. Maybe I'm not 20 percent but still get a good result. My personal feeling is that it is very difficult if there is no commitment to people. Because they are greedy businessmen when I asked them to attack and eliminate illegal fakes.
Barta24.com: There are allegations that in many cases children are used to catch jatka. Local government people are also heard to be involved in this. What action will be taken in this regard?
Abdur Rahman: Local government people must be involved. But the place of disappointment is that you have to take into consideration their sincerity, where their free is will. If necessary, instead of leaving the children on bail, they should be told that those who are using you should not be used.
Barta24.com: You are now in the highest forum of Awami League from Chhatra League. But this is the first time you have become a minister. What are your feelings about it?
Abdur Rahman: It is a big recognition in the life of a political worker. There is a great opportunity to work from a team point of view. Again, if the party is in charge of the government, there too. Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given me a responsibility in her government. It has positive satisfaction. As a political activist in the true sense, I think that getting such an opportunity is to use this opportunity for the welfare of the people. If that work can be done successfully, beautifully, that is a great achievement.
Barta24.com: What is the future plan of your ministry as part of the government?
Abdur Rahman: Ministry of Fisheries is a people-oriented ministry. This ministry is involved in the daily life of our entire population. Our plan is to provide non-vegetarian food to people self-sufficiently and to meet our own needs and to export it as well.
Barta24.com: How challenging do you find this new responsibility?
Abdur Rahman: There are challenges in every job. It is self-interested to face the challenge and bring it under control, to present it to people from a productive view, to use it for people. If a person wants to work with them with devotion and honesty then success is bound to come. I believe I have that kind of inclination, desire. I want to do something for people. Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina's desire to carry out the responsibility with devotion is the big thing. I have that desire.