Fishermen families receive VGF rice in Jamalpur. Photo : BSS

JAMALPUR, Oct 10, 2025 (BSS) - The Department of Fisheries has distributed rice among fishermen families in the district as part of efforts to prevent the catching of Hilsa fish during the ban period.

The government has imposed a ban on Hilsa fishing from October 4 to October 25, the breeding period of the national fish. The food assistance was provided to poor fishermen families to ease their livelihood during the ban.

The District Fisheries Office said a total of 257.65 tonnes of rice was disbursed among 10,306 fishermen families from four upazilas under the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme. 

The office said 2,626 families in Islampur Upazila, 4,084 families in Dewanganj, 1,730 families in Sarishabari, and 1,866 families in Madarganj benefited from the programme.

District Fisheries Officer ANM Ashraful Kabir said Thursday that the rice distribution has been completed as part of efforts to boost Hilsa fish production and ensure fishermen comply with the breeding-season ban.