Lakshmipur: State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku emphasized that ensuring food security and improving the living standards of fishermen is one of the top priorities of the government. He made this announcement while addressing a programme aimed at distributing food items to fishermen during the fishing ban period in hilsa sanctuaries, held at the Lakshmipur Zilla Parishad premises.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie attended the event as the chief guest. State Minister Tuku reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of fishermen in line with its election promises. This includes initiatives such as loan waivers and the distribution of family cards. He stated that ensuring food security for fishermen during crisis periods is now a key priority for the ministry.
Addressing the fishermen, Tuku assured that all eligible families would eventually receive “family cards” and none would be excluded. The process of listing fishermen is currently underway, and those yet to be included will soon be brought under the programme. The state minister revealed that around 40,000 families have already been brought under government assistance. The current programme has expanded the range of food support beyond just rice.
Each family has been provided with 12 kg of flour, 10 litres of oil, 8 kg of lentils, 4 kg of sugar, 4 kg of salt, and 16 kg of potatoes for two months. Additionally, 80 kg of VGF rice has already been distributed, with another 80 kg to be provided in phases. Tuku highlighted that previous discrepancies in fishermen lists have been revised, addressing past allegations of corruption in rice distribution. The government is now ensuring round-the-clock monitoring with a commitment to zero tolerance for corruption.
The programme, presided over by Deputy Commissioner SM Mehdi Hasan, also featured speeches from Lakshmipur-2 constituency lawmaker Abul Khayer Bhuiyan, Lakshmipur-1 constituency lawmaker Shahadat Hossain Selim, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Md Zia Haidar Chowdhury, Joint Secretary of the Fisheries and Livestock Ministry Md Hemayet Hossain, Superintendent of Police Md Abu Tarek, and District Council Administrator Sahab Uddin Sabu.