CHANDPUR, Oct 8, 2025 (BSS) - At least 45,615 registered fishermen in the district have received food assistance under the government's Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme during the ongoing 22-day mother hilsa fishing ban, which began on October 4.

Each fisherman received 25 kg of rice to support their families during the no-fishing period. A total of 1,140.375 tonnes of rice have been allocated for the beneficiaries across three municipalities and 43 unions in the district, according to the District Fisheries Department.

To ensure quick and efficient distribution, Deputy Commissioner Md. Kamrul Hasan issued directives on September 29 to the Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) of Matlab North, Matlab South, Chandpur Sadar, and Haimchar upazilas.

By October 3, the rice was to be distributed to all registered fishermen, the order noted.

Haimchar Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer ABM Ashraful Huq confirmed that 12,303 families in his upazila have already received their allocations. "So far, there have been no complaints. The process has been smooth and transparent," he said.

Khairul Islam, a fisherman from Chandra Union in Chandpur Sadar Upazila, said, "We received the rice in the correct amount. This support is helping us survive these 22 jobless days."

Another fisherman, Abul Miji, expressed gratitude for the assistance but said the amount could be increased to meet the needs of larger families. "We're grateful, but more rice would help us manage better during the ban period," he added.

In Chandpur Sadar, the distribution faced a slight delay due to the Durga Puja celebrations, said Assistant Fisheries Officer Md. Mizanur Rahman. "Despite the delay, we have ensured all registered fishermen have received their rice."

Chandpur District Fisheries Officer Sribash Chandra Chanda said, "The VGF rice distribution is being supervised by the respective upazila fisheries officials. We are working hard to ensure timely and fair distribution across the district."

The annual hilsa fishing ban is aimed at protecting mother hilsa during peak breeding season to ensure sustainable fishery management and future catch yields.