One of the major sectors of Bangladesh agriculture is represented by the fisheries sector that has significant contribution to the country's economy, not only meeting a significant proportion of the nation's non-vegetarian food needs but also generating substantial income. Fish alone provides us about 60% of animal protein and more than 1.4 million people are directly or indirectly involved in fisheries sector for their livelihood. Over the last decade, Bangladesh's fish production has increased enormously, and it now becomes a self-sufficient fish producing country. According to 'The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2020' report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Bangladesh ranks 3rd globally for fish extraction from open water bodies and 5th in aquaculture production. Moreover, Bangladesh ranks 4th globally and 3rd in Asia for tilapia fish production. However, the country's most significant achievement in the sector is its position at the top among the 11 countries that produce Hilsa fish, which is the national fish and accounts for more than 12% of the country's total fish production.

Providing the proper education for fisheries extension as well as technical support to the fish farmers, fishermen and other stakeholders connected with fishing and fish farming system, the fisheries sector might have a tremendous potentiality in future for the development of agrarian economy of Bangladesh. In this regard, Dr. Md. Shahjat Ali's book "Motsho Somprosaron Porichiti" is a valuable contribution to the field of fisheries extension, providing a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The book explores diverse aspects of fisheries extension, including its philosophy, objectives and role in economic and agricultural development, and the importance of disseminating knowledge, skills and technology to fish farmers and fishermen.

The book contains nine chapters, each providing in-depth knowledge on various aspects of fisheries extension. The first chapter introduces the readers about fisheries extension and policy. The 'National Fisheries Policy - 1998' is briefly discussed in this introductory chapter. While the second chapter of the book discusses extension education, the third chapter focuses on communication process. The next chapter sheds light on adoption techniques and diffusion process. The fifth chapter explores extension teaching methods, providing an overview of various techniques used in fisheries extension education. Chapter six focuses on leadership in fisheries extension, discussing the importance and qualities of leadership and strategies for motivating the extension workers.

The seventh chapter of the book highlights the emerging trend of e-extension service needed for today's digital era. The next chapter examines climate change and its impact on fisheries extension. The reasons behind climate change and the adaptation techniques in Bangladeshi context are also briefly discussed in this chapter. The final chapter of the book focuses on monitoring and evaluation, highlighting the importance and various techniques of monitoring and evaluating processes of fisheries extension projects. Written in lucid Bangla language, the book is easily accessible to the broader audience.

The author Dr. Md. Shahjat Ali is an experienced worker, trainer and researcher in the fisheries extension sector of Bangladesh. Educated and trained at Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, University of the Philippines and the University of Manchester, UK, he served as the Farm Manager, District Fisheries Officer and Project Director under the Department of Fisheries of Bangladesh Government for many years. After retiring as the Deputy Secretary to Bangladesh Government in 2010, he has been working as a Consultant with various national and international research organizations. The author deserves appreciation for his dedication and efforts to produce this informative and insightful piece of writing.

The writer is an independent researcher. E-mail: smrayhanulislam@hotmail.com