Under the government's humanitarian food aid program in the fiscal year 2021-22, 16,751.56 metric tons of VGF rice has been allocated for fishermen who halted fishing during the 65-day (May 20-July 23) ban on fishing in the country's maritime waters. The allocation has been made for 2 lakh 99 thousand 135 fisher families in 67 upazilas of 14 coastal districts and Chittagong metropolis. Under this, each registered fisher family will be provided 40 kg of rice per month in the first phase and a total of 56 kg of rice in 42 days (20 May-30 June).
On Thursday, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock issued a sanction order in this regard in favor of the concerned Deputy Commissioners. Instructions have been given to complete the lifting and distribution of VGF rice among the fishermen by June 10, 2022. It has been instructed in the sanction letter to distribute VGF in accordance with the policy after reviewing the non-issuance of VGF except card holders and in case of change in the number of jails due to death or change of occupation.
The allotted upazilas are Batiaghata, Dakop, Paikgachha, Koyra, Dumuria, Dighalia and Rupsha in Khulna district, Mongla, Morelganj and Sharankhola in Bagerhat district, Asashuni and Shyamnagar in Satkhira district, Banshkhali, Anwara, Mirsarai in Chittagong district, Anwara, Mirsarai in Chittagong. Cox's Bazar District Sadar, Chakaria, Maheshkhali, Ukhia, Pekua, Kutubdia, Teknaf & Ramu, Noakhali District Hatia, Sadar, Subarnachar & Companyganj, Feni District Sonagazi, Laxmipur District Ramgati, Sadar, Kamalnagar & Raipur, Barisal District Sadar and Uzirpur, Rajapur of Jhalokati district, Sadar of Barguna district, Patharghata, Amtali and Taltoli, Sadar of Pirojpur district, Mathbaria, Bhandaria, Nazirpur, Nesharabad, Kaukhali and Indurkani, Sadar of Patuakhali, Kalapara, Baufal, Dumki, Rampal Sadar, Borhanuddin, Char Fashion, Daulatkhan, Lalmohan, Tajumuddin and Monpura in Dashmina and Bhola districts.
Furthermore, in order to ensure proper breeding, production, conservation of marine fisheries and sustainable fishery in the marine waters of Bangladesh under the powers given in the Marine Fisheries Act 2020, a total of 65 days from 20 May to 23 July this year, all types of fishing boats procure any species. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has issued a notification on April 24.
