‘Illegal fishing boats belong to corrupt rich people, not fishermen’ -Minister for Fisheries and Livestock

"Some people are illegally fishing Jatka, or immature Hilsa. The trawlers found doing illegal fishing do not belong to ordinary fishermen. They belong to some rich unscrupulous people," said Fisheries and Livestock Minister, SM Rezaul Karim.

The minister made the remarks while addressing the inaugural function of Jatka Conservation Week 2021 virtually as chief guest on Monday from his official residence.

This year, the Jatka conservation program is being observed from April 4 to April 10. During this time it is forbidden to catch Hilsa from Hilsa sanctuaries.

SM Rezaul Karim said, "It is the responsibility of all of us to protect the fishery resources of the country. However, some people are working behind the scenes, engaging in illegal fishing of jatka. The trawlers found doing illegal fishing are not those of ordinary fishermen, but of some rich unscrupulous people. They are the enemies of society and the country."

"Hilsa sanctuaries have been set up for these closures and the government provides a range of assistance to fishermen during the ban on Jatka fishing," he added.

He added, "Monitoring cameras have been installed. Action will be taken against those who are enemies of the country's fisheries resources. Strict measures will be taken in this regard."

He said the government used to give 10kg of VGF rice to fishermen. Now it has been increased to 40kg.