Barishal: A boat rally was held on the Kirtankhola River today as part of the mother Hilsa conservation drive, which began at Friday midnight to protect Hilsa during its peak breeding season. Organised by the Barishal district administration and Department of Fisheries, the rally saw participation of the members of RAB, Naval Police, Coast Guard, and local officials. Barishal Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Delwar Hossain was present on the occasion.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, District Fisheries Officer Ripon Kanti Ghosh announced that 25 kg of rice will be distributed to each of the 66,524 registered fishermen under the VGF programme, with a total allocation of 1,663.1 metric tons of rice. He further stated that drones and 30 executive magistrates will monitor illegal fishing activities. Violators of the fishing ban will face up to two years of imprisonment or a fine of TK 5 lakh. The 22-day fishing ban will continue till October 25.