The government has allocated 23,496.98 metric tonnes of rice under the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme to assist the families of 4, 19,589 fishermen in 44 upazilas of 12 districts and Chattogram city during the period when fishing in the Bay of Bengal is prohibited.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has allocated the VGF rice, said a press release here on Monday.

Under the programme, the families of registered fishermen will get 40 kgs of rice per month for May and June in the first phase.

The deputy commissioners concerned have been asked to complete the distribution of rice within June 15, said the release.

The upazilas are—Batiaghata, Dakop, Paikgaccha, Koyra and Rupsha upazilas of Khulna district, Mongla, Morelganj and Sharankhola upazilas of Bagerhat district, Ashashuni and Shyamnagar upazilas of Satkhira district, Bashkhali, Anwara, Mirsarai, Sandwip, Karnaphuli, Sitakunda upazilas of Chattogram district, chattogram city, Sadar, Chakaria, Maheshkhali, Ukhiya, Pekua, Kutubdia, Teknaf and Ramu upazilas of Cox’s Bazar district, Hatia upazila of Noakhali district, Ramgati upazila of Laxmipur district, Sadar, Patharghata, Amtoli and Taltoli upazilas of Barguna district, Mathbaria upazila of Pirojpur district, Sadar, Kalapara, Baufal, Galachipa, Rangabali and Dashmina upazilas of Patuakhali district, Borhanuddin, Charfashion, Doulatkhan, Lalmohon, Tajumuddin and Manpura upazilas of Bhola district.

The government is going to impose a 65-day ban from May 20 to July 23 on fishing in the Bay of Bengal in the interest of the national economy.

Also read: 65-day ban on fishing in Bay from May 20: Minister