The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) began its annual Fisheries Week program on Thursday, aligning with the nationwide campaign to promote fish farming and local nutrition.
Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, Director General of the BGB, inaugurated the week by releasing fish fry of several species into the pond beside Shaheed Captain Ashraf Hall at the force’s Pilkhana headquarters in Dhaka.
Speaking at the event, he pointed to this year’s theme, “Building a sanctuary, filling the country with local fish.” He described fish as central to Bangladeshi food culture. “We’re traditionally Bengalis who eat fish and rice. Fish provides 60 percent of our meat requirement. It is more nutritious than any other animal protein and is essential for health,” Siddiqui said, according to a press release.
The BGB chief asked all units of the force to renovate ponds and reservoirs under their control and begin fish farming. His message was less about ceremony and more about daily practice: making sure members contribute not only to security but also to food production.
He also urged BGB personnel to engage actively in broader national development work. “Every member must play a strong role in building the country by participating spontaneously in all the great works of the nation,” he said.
Fisheries Week is a recurring national event, but the emphasis this year reflects growing concerns about meat supply and self-sufficiency. By encouraging the farming of local fish, the campaign aims to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen household nutrition.
The program will continue across BGB establishments in different districts, where ponds and water bodies are expected to be stocked with local varieties. For many members of the force, the work will extend beyond symbolism, shaping their food supply and perhaps even the way they think about their role in community life.
