Provide ration to fishermen before Hilsa banning

A total of 27 rights groups have demanded ration for the fishermen during and seven day before of the fish banning period.

They formed a human chain in front of the Jatiya Press Club yesterday under the title 'Registration of fake fishermen should be cancelled, Ration must be provided at least seven days before the banning period'

The organizers placed some specific demands including fishermen's inclusion to the rice distribution program, prioritize them in opening bank account with Tk 10, money of ration to be given through these accounts or mobile banking and loan with low interest rate.

Sanat Kumar Bhowmik, Director of COAST said: "As government took several initiatives to boost up Hilsa production.  However, ban on Hilsa fishing in coastal areas during March to April leaves 25 lakh fishermen jobless.

" He also said that government is supposed to provide 40 kgs of rice to each family. However, they often do not get the allowance.