Take steps to stop farming of piranha, African catfish
PM gives several other directives in Chandpur
Omnivorous in nature, African catfish (left) and South American piranha, pose threat to local varieties of fishes and other aquatic creatures.Photo: STAR
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked the authorities concerned to take measurers against the farming of piranha and African catfish (magur) as these fishes destroy the local fish varieties. She gave the directives during a view-exchange meeting with the district officials held at the district circuit house. Deputy Commissioner of Chandpur district Priyotosh Saha presided over the meeting where Principal Secretary MA Karim and Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Abul Kalam Azad were present among others. The Prime Minister asked the district administration to ensure all sorts of facilities for the people who live in the Char areas. She said that the water development board should look into the effect of their projects before implementing any new project. She also said that the paperwork for any development project should be completed during the monsoon season while the implementation work should be done during the dry season. Hasina strictly directed the district administration to avoid any sort of corruption and irregularities while distributing rice among the fishermen while they are barred from fishing. “We have to look after the fishermen's families, especially how they will live during the season when the government restricts them from fishing,” she said. In this connection she said that the amount of rice allocated to each family has been increased from 10 kg to 30 kg per month. Regarding sand extraction, the Prime Minister said that this should be done in a planned way so that the river is not affected. She directed the BTCL officials to work sincerely to distribute internet connections at the grassroots level as the government is committed to building a 'Digital Bangladesh'. The Prime Minister praised the coast guard officials for their extraordinary efforts with limited manpower. She said that her government will show zero tolerance towards drugs and drugs smuggling. “Take stern action against drug smugglers and peddlers irrespective of party affiliation and go for drastic action against these anti-social elements,” she said. She also mentioned that there will be a recruitment drive in police administration as they are facing manpower shortage. The Prime Minister said that her party came to power for the welfare of the people and asked the public servants to work hard for the welfare of the people. She mentioned that the previous alliance government left the country amid food deficit. “We are committed to ensuring food security.”
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments