National Fisheries Week 2026 was celebrated in Manikganj under the theme "A self-reliant nation through silver fisheries, Bangladesh first." A colourful rally was brought out from in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office at 11:00 am today, Sunday.

The rally was inaugurated by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, MP. It paraded through several important roads of the town before ending at the premises of the Deputy Commissioner's office. The minister then released fish fingerlings into the pond adjacent to the Deputy Commissioner's office.

The programme, held to mark National Fisheries Week, emphasised the conservation of the country's fisheries resources, sustainable growth in production, and further expansion of fish farming at the grassroots level.

A discussion meeting was later held at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner's office. Speaking as chief guest, Minister Afroza Khanam said the present government, guided by the theme "Bangladesh first," is working to move the country forward. She called on government officials to play a more proactive role, on their own initiative, in implementing the government's election manifesto.

The minister said National Fisheries Week 2026 is being observed in Manikganj, as across the country, under the theme "A self-reliant nation through silver fisheries, Bangladesh first." She said the Department of Fisheries is working tirelessly to conserve fisheries resources and ensure sustainable production, and that the government stands ready at all times to provide fish farmers with any technical support they need.

She further said there is no alternative to domestic fish in meeting the country's nutritional and protein needs, and that fish farming must be popularised and expanded at the grassroots level to help alleviate poverty and further strengthen the national economy.

On the development of the aviation and tourism sectors, the minister said the present government has made substantial progress in implementing its election manifesto within its first six months in office. She said the government has taken initiatives to develop Bangladesh into a regional aviation hub. She added that, in honour of the July fighters, steps are being taken to offer special incentives on hotel-motel rates and air fares under the Tourism Corporation. The government is also working to ensure fair air fares for expatriates, she said.

"With everyone's cooperation, I hope we will be able to eliminate all syndicates in the aviation sector," she said.

The discussion meeting was attended by the Administrator of Manikganj Zila Parishad and senior officials from various district departments.