Dhaka, Feb. 2 -- The interim government has not granted approval for hilsa cultivation through artificial or controlled means, according to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.

The ministry issued a press release on Monday clarifying that no individual or organisation has received permission to farm hilsa or conduct related activities using such techniques.

The announcement comes after a Sunday ministry meeting that discussed hilsa and marine fish farming through Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) technology in fully controlled indoor environments.

Presiding over the session, Fisheries Advisor Farida Akter pointed out that hilsa is a vital Geographical Indication (GI) product of Bangladesh.

She noted that the fish is deeply in...