Staff Correspondent

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today laid emphasis on proper utilization of the country's natural and marine resources, saying Bangladesh will get more economic benefit from it.

"Bangladesh will economically prosperous further if the resources are used properly," she said.

The adviser was addressing the result sharing and phase-out workshop of USAID's ECOFISH-II project as the chief guest in a city hotel, said a ministry press release.

She appreciated the efforts and works of various community members, experts and scientists involved in the ECOFISH-II project, stressing the need of using potentiality and giving their due respect.

The involvement of women in ECOFISH-II project is quite significant, she said, adding that women empowerment would be increased if they become financially independent through this project, she added.

Mentioning hilsa fish as a great resource, the advisor said that the fishermen involved in protecting mother hilsa must also be protected.

The government is trying to extend more cooperation so that the fishermen don't suffer, especially during the prohibition period from October 13 to November 3.

USAID Bangladesh Mission Director Reed J Aeschliman, Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Sayeed Mahmood Belal Haider, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute Director General Dr Anuradha Bhadra, World Fish Program and Impact Management Director Dr Ann Elizabeth Fleming, Chief of Party of ECOFISH-II Project Dr Mohammad Mokarram Hossain, and ECOFISH-II Focal Person Salma Akhter also spoke with Director General of Fisheries Department Md Zillur Rahman in the chair.