PSTU Reporter: FISH Safety Foundation of New Zealand has signed an MoU with Patuakhali Science and Technology University. It was held on December 12 (Thursday) at 10:30 am in the conference room of the Vice-Chancellor's office.

The MoU signing ceremony was conducted under the chairmanship of the registrar of PSTU Professor Dr. Md. Mamun Or Rashid, the chief guest was the Vice-Chancellor of the University Professor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam. The special guest was Prof. Dr. SM Hemayet Jahan and Treasurer Professor Md Abdul Latif. In addition distinguished guests, academician and researchers were present. Chairman of Fisheries Technology Department Professor Dr. Md. Mizanur Rahman delivered welcome speech.

Eric Holliday, CEO of the FISH Safety Foundation of New Zealand, signed the agreement online on behalf of the Foundation. About the signing of the agreement, he said, This MoU is a 'stepping stone' and 'milestone' for improving the safety of sea-going fishermen in the coastal areas of Bangladesh under the FISHER Project. He is pleased and happy to work with PSTU on FishSAFE-2025 Project. He wishes to do more work for the welfare of the Coastal fishermen of Bangladesh.

The FISHER Project Bangladesh coordinator Professor Dr. Md. Sazedul Hoque presented the details of the project and said that the life of coastal fishermen of Bangladesh is at risk. The FishSafe 2025 project worked for improve the occupational safety of fishermen which was jointly implemented with the FISH Safety Foundation New Zealand. In line with that, today's signing of the agreement under the FISHER project will play a greater role in the research and safe life of coastal fishermen.

The chief guest of the event was the Vice-Chancellor of the University Professor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam said,
coastal communities not only in Bangladesh but also worldwide are largely dependent on fishing and fisheries-related activities for their livelihoods. The occupation of coastal fishermen is the most vulnerable as they fish in the sea and are affected by extreme climatic events such as cyclones, storms and pirate attacks. Due to lack of safety knowledge, equipment, awareness, technology, training, deaths occur in the sea every year. The MoU between PSTU and FISH Safety Foundation New Zealand under the FISHER Project will address the fishing-related fatalities, injuries-illnesses, robbery attacks and other occupational safety and health issues, thus making the lives of fishermen safer and better.

He further said that the MOU with the FISH Safety Foundation has opened doors for joint research activities between the two parties, exchange of teachers and students for higher training and human resource development and research activities on improving the livelihoods of coastal fishermen.

Prof. Md. Jamal Hossain, Dean of LLA Faculty of PSTU, Dean of Post Graduate Studies Prof. Dr. Mohammad Atiqur Rahman, former dean of the Faculty of Fisheries Prof Dr Md. Lokman Ali and Deputy Registrar of Public Relations and Publication Department Md. Emadul Haque Prince along with deans of various faculties, director research and training center, director IQAC, chairman of various departments, teachers, teachers of Fisheries Technology Department, MS students and officers were present.