Agrilife24.com:State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku, MP, today said the country’s development and qualitative improvement in the lives of its people will be achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

“Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working with utmost dedication for the nation. We want the country to prosper and the fortunes of our citizens to change. If the nation develops, everyone will benefit,” he said.

The state minister made the remarks as the chief guest at an awareness meeting and VGF rice distribution programme among fishermen’s families on the occasion of the ‘Mother Hilsa Protection Campaign-2026’ at the premises of Charjanajat Elias Ahmed Chowdhury High School in Shibchar upazila of Madaripur district. Shibchar Upazila Administration and the Upazila Fisheries Office jointly organised the programme.

Highlighting the importance of protecting Hilsa, the state minister described it as a national asset and a Geographical Indication (GI) product of Bangladesh.

“To boost the reproduction and overall production of Hilsa, the government-declared ban must be strictly enforced at any cost. Harvesting, transporting, marketing and selling Hilsa will remain prohibited from October 8 to October 29. The administration and law enforcement agencies must perform their duties strictly so that no one can catch Hilsa during this period,” he stressed.

Noting that Madaripur is a key region for Hilsa production, he said fishermen would be the primary beneficiaries of increased production. He urged the fishing community to view the 22-day restriction as an investment in their future prosperity.

Reaffirming the government’s support for the fishing community, the state minister reiterated the policy, “The water belongs to those who own the nets,” and assured that food assistance under the VGF programme is being provided to support vulnerable fishing families during the ban period.

Chaired by Madaripur Deputy Commissioner Miss Morjina Akter, the programme was attended by Sayeed Uddin Ahmad Hanjala, Member of Parliament for Madaripur-1 constituency, as the guest of honour.

Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr Md Khaled Kanak, Madaripur Superintendent of Police Md Fazle Elahi, Dhaka Division Fisheries Director Md Ahsan Habib Khan, and District Fisheries Officer Prashanta Kumar Sarkar were present as special guests. Shibchar Upazila Nirbahi Officer H. M. Ibne Mizan, local political leaders and beneficiary fishermen were also present.

Later, the state minister distributed 25 kilograms of government-assisted VGF rice to each of 151 local fishermen’s families.