The fisheries industry in Bangladesh plays a pivotal role in the nation’s economy, capitalizing on its extensive wetland resources and diverse fish species. This study delves into the evolution of fish production, export, and import trends over the past three decades, with a keen focus on their contribution to the GDP. Drawing from comprehensive literature reviews and data sourced from authoritative entities such as the Bangladesh 
Foreign Trade Institute, Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, World Bank, and Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, our analysis reveals a consistent upward trajectory in fish production from FY1990-91 to FY2021-22. Notably, aquaculture has emerged as a key driver, offsetting the sluggish growth in wild capture fishery. Specifically, aquaculture production surged from 210,993 metric tons (MT) in FY1990-91 to an impressive 2,731,070 MT in FY2021-22, surpassing the quantity of wild capture production (1,321,631 MT) during the same period.
The iconic Hilsha (Tenualosa ilisha) stands out as a crucial species contributing to Bangladesh’s overall fish production. Furthermore, there has been a recent surge in the value of fishery exports. In FY2000-01, exports were valued at USD 376.71 million, which escalated to USD 601.59 million in FY2021-22. Conversely, fish imports declined from USD 40.89 million in FY2015-16 to USD 33.82 million in FY2022-23. This study underscores the critical significance of the fisheries sector within Bangladesh’s economic landscape and advocates for strategic investments and focused attention to fully harness its potential for sustainable economic growth.