The government has allocated another 9,484.82 metric tonnes of rice for vulnerable group feeding (VGF) for fishermen under the humanitarian food aid programme.
This allocation has been allocated to the registered fishermen who refrain from fishing during the ban on fishing.
Of the total allocation, 8,974.05 metric tons of rice has been allocated for 2,99,135 families dependent on fisheries in 67 upazilas of 14 coastal districts and 8 metropolitan Chittagong metropolises during the 65-day ban on fishing in the country's maritime waters from May 20 to July 23.
In the second phase, 30 kg of rice has been allotted to the families for 23 days (01 July-23 July 2021) per family per month.
Earlier, in the first phase, a total of 56 kg of rice was distributed in the sector for 42 days (20 May-30 June 2021) at the rate of per family per month in May.
On the other hand, 500.62 metric tons of rice has been allotted to 25,031 families in 10 upazilas of Rangamati and Khagrachhari districts on the shores of the lake.
In the second phase, 20 kg of rice has been allotted to each family per month in July 2021.
Earlier, in the first phase of April, 40 kg of rice was distributed in the sector for 2 months (May-June 2021) at the rate of 20 kg per family per month.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock on Tuesday issued two separate orders directed to the concerned deputy commissioners.
According to a sanction order, VGF allotted upazilas in Batiaghata, Dakop, Paikgachha, Koyra, Dumuria, Dighalia and Rupsha of Khulna district, Mongla, Morelganj and Sharankhola of Bagerhat district, Asashuni and Shyamnagar of Satkhira district in the second phase when fishing is prohibited in marine waters for 65 days.
Other upazilas are Banshkhali, Anwara, Mirsarai, Sandeep, Karnafuli, Chittagong metropolis and Sitakunda of Chittagong district, Cox's Bazar district headquarters, Chakaria, Maheshkhali, Ukhia, Pekua, Kutubdia, Teknaf and Ramu, Hatia, Sadar, Subarnachar and Companyganj in Noakhali district, Sonagazi of Feni district, Ramgati, Sadar, Kamalnagar and Raipur of Laxmipur district, Mehendiganj, Bakerganj, Hijla, Sadar and Wazirpur of Barisal district, Rajapur of Jhalokati district, Sadar of Barguna district, Patharghata, Amtali and Taltali, Pirojpur District Sadar, Mathbaria, Bhandaria, Nazirpur, Nesharabad, Kaukhali and Indurkani, Patuakhali district headquarters, Kalapara, Baufal, Galachipa, Mirzaganj, Dumki, Rangabali and Dashmina and Sadar, Borhanuddin, Char Fashion, Daulatkhan, Lalmohan, Tajumuddin and Monpura in Bhola district.
According to another order, 10 upazilas were allotted VGF in the second phase are Sadar, Langadu, Baghaichhari, Naniyarchar, Kaptai, Bilachhari, Jurachhari and Barkal of Rangamati district and Mahalchhari and Dighin of Khagrachhari district.
Every year from May to July, all kinds of fishing are banned in Kaptai Lake.
At this time, the government provides humanitarian food assistance to the fishermen who refrain from fishing.
