The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Pirojpur

The Government has taken up a project in cooperation with Saudi Government for providing food assistance to the unemployed fishermen abstained from catching hilsa fry 'Jhatka' following the government ban.

The Government imposes ban every year on netting 'Jhatka' for three months (from March to May) in 64 upazilas of 11 districts to boost hilsha production.

Relief and Rehabilitation Department sources said the rice would be distributed among 1,45,335 fishermen families during this period. Each family will get 10 kg rice per month.

The rice will be distributed in four upazilas of Chandpur district, seven upazilas each of Bhola, Patuakhali and Pirojpur, three upazilas of Laxmipur, 10 upazilas of Barisal, five upazilas each of Chittagong and Barguna, six upazilas each of Shariatpur and Munshiganj, four upazilas of Jhalakati.

The rice distribution has already been started among the fishermen, officials said.

Local fishermen said the allocation of 10kg rice for each family for a month is quite insufficient for their livelihood.