Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid has urged fishermen to refrain from catching mother hilsa during the breeding season to boost production and protect the country's fisheries resources.
“Promise me keeping your hand on your chest that you will not catch any hilsa,” he said while addressing a food assistance distribution and public awareness programme for fishermen at Paschim Dasadi Boro Khan Bari ground in Chandpur Sadar upazila on Tuesday noon.
The programme was organised by the District Fisheries Office in Chandpur under the government's Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme.
The minister said protecting hilsa during the breeding season would help increase future production while ensuring long-term economic benefits for fishermen and strengthening the country's fisheries sector.
He said the livelihoods of farmers and fishermen were closely linked to the national economy and food security. The government was, therefore, giving priority to improving the living standards of people dependent on these sectors.
During the 22-day fishing ban, the government is providing food assistance to fishermen to help them cope with the temporary loss of income, he said.
Alongside government support, initiatives were also being taken to create alternative income sources for fishermen, the minister added.
Emphasising the need to strengthen their economic capacity, he said modern methods such as cage fish farming could create income opportunities during fishing bans.
He also called for integrated initiatives to ensure the sustainable management of fisheries resources and improve fishermen's living standards.
Highlighting Chandpur's importance in the fisheries sector, the minister said the district plays a significant role in hilsa production and the river-based economy.
He said protecting fisheries resources would benefit the national economy and create opportunities to improve the livelihoods of fishing communities.
Chandpur Deputy Commissioner Ahmed Ziaur Rahman chaired the programme.
Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Md Delwar Hossain, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Md Khaled Kanak, Superintendent of Police Mizanur Rahman and River Police Superintendent Syed Mushfiqur Rahman attended as special guests.