Move Underway to Provide 20% Power Subsidy for Fisheries

The government is moving to extend a 20 percent electricity subsidy to the fisheries sector, similar to the incentive currently enjoyed by agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter said on Saturday.

“The fisheries sector does not yet receive subsidised electricity like agriculture. However, work has been underway for the past year, and through coordination among the relevant ministries, we expect to ensure around a 20 percent electricity subsidy very soon,” she said.

The adviser made the remarks during a visit to the Faltita Fish Landing Centre in Fakirhat upazila of Bagerhat, where she also exchanged views with depot owners and stakeholders.

Highlighting the prospects of shrimp exports, Farida Akhter said Bangladeshi shrimp is internationally recognised for its quality and taste. However, she noted that global markets place increasing emphasis on health standards, environmentally sustainable production and strict compliance with antibiotic-free practices.

“Shrimp producers and exporters must adhere to international standards. Due to policy shortcomings of the previous government, the shrimp export sector has fallen behind. These gaps will be addressed, and effective measures will be taken swiftly,” she said.

Speaking more broadly about the fisheries sector, the adviser said Bangladesh has yet to fully harness its potential due to systemic limitations. As legal restrictions prevent the collection of fish fry from natural sources, she stressed the need to expand hatchery capacity to boost fry production.

She also underscored the importance of protecting exports and government revenue, calling for stronger border surveillance to prevent illegal inflows of goods from neighbouring countries and within the country.

“Such activities undermine fair competition and harm the economy,” she added.

Senior officials present at the meeting included the Director General of the Department of Fisheries Md Abdur Rouf, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Abu Naim Muhammad Abdus Sabur, Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner Golam Md Baten, District Fisheries Officer Raj Kumar Biswas, and other officials.