State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku today spoke at a programme for distributing food items among fishermen during the fishing ban period in hilsa sanctuaries, held at the Lakshmipur Zilla Parishad. Photo : BSS

LAKSHMIPUR, April 4, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku today said ensuring food security and improving the living standards of fishermen is one of the top priorities of the government.

"If Jatka (Hilsa fries) can be protected, hilsa production in the country will increase significantly and fishermen will be the main beneficiaries," he told a programme for distributing food items among fishermen during the fishing ban period in hilsa sanctuaries, held at the Lakshmipur Zilla Parishad premises. 
  
Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie was present as chief guest at the programme.

Salauddin Tuku said the government is committed to improving the livelihoods of fishermen in line with its election pledges, including loan waivers and distribution of family cards. "Ensuring food security for fishermen during crisis periods is now a key priority for the ministry," he added.

Addressing the fishermen, he said all eligible families would gradually receive "family cards" and none would be left out. The process of listing fishermen is underway and those yet to be included will be brought under the programme soon.

The state minister said around 40,000 families have already been brought under government assistance. Unlike previous initiatives where only rice was distributed, the current programme has expanded the range of food support.

He said 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. In addition, 80 kg of VGF rice has already been distributed and another 80 kg will be provided in phases.

Tuku also said that earlier fishermen lists had various discrepancies, which have now been revised. "Although there were allegations of corruption in rice distribution in the past, we are now ensuring round-the-clock monitoring. Our government has a firm commitment to zero tolerance for corruption," he added.

Presided over by Deputy Commissioner SM Mehdi Hasan, the programme was also addressed by 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.