Fishers ready to set sail for hilsa

A two-month government ban on catching hilsa at six estuaries in the country's southern region ended last night, paving the way for fishermen to catch the national fish.

However, many fishermen -- especially those who returned from sea due to shutdown -- said they will not be able to go back out soon.

However, many others are getting ready to set sail, considering their difficulties.

Estuaries of the rivers Meghna, Padma, Elisha, Tetulia, Kalabadar and Andharmanik in Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Chandpur, Laxmipur and Shariatpur were under the purview of the ban, said sources at the Department of Fisheries (DoF).

The government imposes the prohibition from March to April to facilitate safe spawning and increase national fishing wealth by saving fish fry, said Syed Azizul Haque, deputy director of DoF, Barishal division.

Since 2006, the spots -- stretching 392km in total -- have been declared sanctuaries for fishes during the period, said the official.

"With the help of law enforcing agencies and local administration, we enforced the ban," said the deputy director.

Kalam, a fisherman from Ulania in Mehendiganj upazila, said, "Although the ban period is over, we need to wait to go to sea until the shutdown is withdrawn or relaxed."

Similar comments came from Md Israfil, president of Jatiya Khudro Matsyajibi Samity. Motahar Majhi, from Patharghata upazila of Barguna, expressed frustration at the situation. "How will I survive if I do not fish? I need to go to sea."

FISHERS SAY VGF FOOD HAS BEEN MISAPPROPRIATED

Meanwhile, many fishermen alleged that they did not get any compensation or food support during the ban period.

Anis Chaprasi, a fisherman from Tungibaria in Barishal, said if they do not get assistance from the government, they have to struggle to cope with the situation.

Also, the food assistance they get under vulnerable group feeding (VGF) programme is not adequate, said many fishers.

Fishermen allege that local public representatives embezzle the food items allocated for them. Israil, a leader of a group of fishermen, said in Barishal division half of the fishermen did not get VGF food support. "Some UP chairmen and members misappropriated that," he alleged.

Zakir, another fisherman, said he was included in the priority list but was yet to receive VGF food.

Md Bahauddin Ahamed, chairman of Tungibaria Union Parishad, said the allocated food is not enough to meet everyone's demand. "Only 566 fishermen out of 1,200 in the union got VGF food."

"We sent letters to upazila nirbahi officers (UNO) concerned to take action against those involved in VGF food misappropriation," said Syed Azizul Haque, the DoF deputy director.