The government has imposed two-month ban on catching, selling and transportation of Ilis fry from today in the district.
Fishermen said they will have to face a tough situation this two months as they do not get sufficient help from the government.
According to Chandpur fisheries office sources, there are 41,032 registered fishermen in the district. Of them, 13,033 are in Haimchar, 7,726 in north Matlab, 3,592 in south Matlab and 16,691 in Chandpur Sadar.
The fishermen of the areas alleged that they have to lead a life of hand to mouth by catching fish. But they have not been provided help from the government after it imposed the ban on catching fish.
When asked, Shafiqul Rahman, fisheries officer in the district, said he did not know when the fishermen would get the help from the government fund.
Fihermen Amin Mizir of Haimchar said: “I have to manage a family of six-member. Only 40 kg rice in day, help from the govt is not enough.”
Abdul Kader of Sadar upazila said: “If the help was provided before the ban, we could manage the family.”
Sawpan Akond, another fisherman, said: “The government helps us by giving only rice. But there are many items for a family.”
“I have heard that the govt will provide money with rice this year. It will be very helpful for us,” said he.
SM Shakhawat, Haimchar upazila nirbahi officer, said: “The fishermen in the area lead a hand to mouth life by catching fish. The government is concerned about it. We will help them with money soon.”
Shafiqul Rahman said: “The government was supposed to provide an amount of money for the fishermen.”
“But I have not got the money yet,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner Abdur Sbur Mondal said: “I have proposed a bill to the government for increasing rice and money.”
“If the proposal is success, the fishermen will be benefited,” he said.