The central inauguration of National Fisheries Fortnight 2026 was held in Katiadi, Kishoreganj, under the theme "Self-reliant in silver fish, Bangladesh before all". Prime Minister Tarique Rahman declared the fortnight open and handed out the fisheries medals at an event at the George Institute Mini Stadium ground in Achmita union of Katiadi upazila on the afternoon of Sunday, 16 August.

The prime minister presented the National Fisheries Medal 2026 (gold medal) to 14 individuals and organisations in 13 categories in recognition of their contribution to the fisheries sector.

National Fish Hatchery of Jashore won for fish spawn production, Alauddin Fisheries of Noakhali for fingerling production, M A Hashem Agro Farm of Netrokona for native small fish production, Dr Ashraf Fisheries of Feni for carp production, and G M Matsya Khamar of Bogura for pangas, tilapia and koi production.

For golda, bagda and other native shrimp production, Three Star Golda Hatchery of Patuakhali and Litu Matsya Khamar of Satkhira were honoured, while Totalfood Processing Private Limited of Khulna and Aqua Max Limited of Satkhira won for exports of fish and fish products.

In the fisheries researcher and scientist category, the medal was shared by Professor Dr Md Rafiqul Islam Sarder of Bangladesh Agricultural University and Professor Dr Mohammad Shahgir Ahmed of Dhaka University.

Kundal Fishermen's Cooperative Society of Nilphamari won for fish habitat conservation and management, Md Shahjahan in the marginal community category for fisheries development, and Md Moniruzzaman Munna of Natore in the youth entrepreneur category.

The winners received their awards from the prime minister, followed by a photo session with him, and several of them spoke about how they felt. Department of Fisheries Director General Dr Md Khaled Konok hosted the event.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Kishoreganj district BNP president and State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam, district BNP general secretary and Kishoreganj-1 MP Md Mazharul Islam, Kishoreganj-2 MP Advocate Md Jalal Uddin, local administration officials, political leaders, fishers and local dignitaries were present.

Earlier, the prime minister was welcomed by local party activists and residents when he arrived at the Mirzapur Chairman Barighat area. He then released fish fingerlings into the Old Brahmaputra river.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.