The government has allocated 10,567 tonnes of VGF rice for fishermen during the upcoming hilsa fishing ban from October 14 to November 4. The food aid is being provided under the government’s Humanitarian Food Assistance Programme. An estimated 5,28,342 families at 152 upazilas in 36 districts will get 20 kg rice each before the start of the main breeding season of hilsa. During this 22-day period, catching, selling and transporting of hilsa is prohibited. This season, food aid is being provided to an additional 1,20,263 families. The fisheries and livestock ministry gave its approval in this regard on September 30. The deputy commissioners concerned have been directed to complete the distribution of VGF rice by October 30. Instructions have been issued to ensure distribution of VGF rice among registered and actual fishermen who are refraining from catching hilsa during the main breeding season. The 36 districts are Dhaka, Manikganj, Munshiganj, Faridpur, Rajbari, Narsingdi, Shariatpur, Madaripur, Gopalganj, Tangail, Kishoreganj, Narayanganj, Jamalpur, Chattogram, Feni, Brahmanbaria, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chandpur, Cox’s Bazar, Khulna, Bagerhat, Kushtia, Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Natore, Sirajganj, Pabna, Gaibandha, Kurigram, Barishal, Pirojpur, Patuakhali, Bhola, Barguna and Jhalokati.