Bangladesh is the 4th largest fish producer, but safe farming is not ensured. Many farmers use chicken waste as fish feed, though it is banned. Experts warn this waste has harmful bacteria, antibiotics, and metals that stay in fish and enter the human body, causing heart, kidney, and liver problems, and reducing disease resistance. It also pollutes ponds, creates bad smells, lowers oxygen in water, and spreads fish diseases.
Sirajum Monir, a scientist at the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, said: “Using chicken waste in fish feed is harmful not only for fish but also for human health.”
In Lalmonirhat, people like river fish more than farm fish. Buyer Lutfar said, “I worry about what farm fish eat.” Some buy farm fish as they are cheaper, but still feel unsafe.
A fish farmer said: “Fish feed is too expensive. Without litter, farming gives no profit. That’s why we use it.”
The Director General of the Department of Fisheries, Abu Sayeed Md. Rashedul Haque, said: “The government banned chicken waste in fish feed years ago. But some dishonest farmers are still secretly using it.”
Fish farmers use cheap chicken waste (Tk 250–350 per sack), but it is risky for health. Fish farming is growing fast in Bangladesh, and experts warn it may harm people and fish if not controlled.
