‘National Jatka Protection Week-2019’ will start on Saturday (Mar 15) to create awareness about preservation of immature Hilsha or ‘Jatka’ to boost production of the national fish, reports BSS.
State Minister of Fisheries and Livestock Ashraf Ali will inaugurate the week at 11am at Charfashion in Bhola and lead a boat rally, said an official press release.
The state minister today at a press briefing highlighted the programmes of the week. He said 36 Jatka-enriched districts will be the main focused areas of the week.
The districts are– Dhaka, Manikganj, Kishoreganj, Rajbari, Shariatpur, Madaripur, Faridpur, Munshiganj, Naraynganj, Narshingdi, Tangail, Goplaganj, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barishal, Pirojpur, Barguna, Jhalokathi, Chandpur , Laksmipur, Feni, Noakhali, Chattagram, Cox’s bazar, Khulna, Kushtia, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Sirajganj, Natore, Jamalpur, Pabna, Kurigram and Gaibandha.
The week will continue till Mar 22. The theme of this year’s week is ‘No use of net-no jatka fishing’, the release added.
Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have called for making united efforts to conserve ‘jatka’ (premature hilsha) to increase precious hilsha production.
In a message, the president urged all including Fisheries and Livestock Ministry, Fisheries Department, side by side concerned government and private institutions, public representatives, mass media and general people specially fishermen and fish traders to make united efforts for successful implementation of jatka protection week.
He said as part of scientific management, coordinated programme is being implemented nationally to protect jatka to ensure sustainable production of hilsha and as a result, the hilsha production has increased manifold in recent years.
“The vast coastal and confluence areas in Bangladesh are the sanctuary of hilsha. Though this fish makes its reproduction naturally, a congenial atmosphere is essential for her perfect growth,” he said.
In a spate message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged all not to keep the campaign limited to only the week rather continue it during prohibition period of jatka catching to contribute to increase the production of national fish hilsha.
“Hilsha is our national fish. Taste, flavor and beauty of hilsha are connected with our culture and heritage. We have distinguished glory and identity all over the world for this fish,” she said.
The premier said hilsha fish is now a geographical indication (GI) product in the name of ‘Bangladesh Hilsha’, a dignified indicator for the country.
“Bangladesh is now self-reliant in fish production. Hilsha has the highest contributions as a single species,” she said.
The prime minister said her government has been providing food facilities to fishermen and their alternative employments are being ensured during the prohibition period.
“We are continuing our efforts to ensure necessary effective monitoring system side by side taking up time-befitting and coordinated initiatives to protect jatka,” she said.
The prime minister said the incumbent government is determined to protect the national fish hilsha.
The president and the prime minister wished successes of all programmes marking the week.