Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim has said that in a democratic system, all political parties have the right to take part in election. The Election Commission will conduct the elections in accordance with the law and the elections will be held in the light of the Constitution of Bangladesh. In this case, it is mere foolishness to demand a neutral caretaker government. So what the BNP or their alliance is claiming is unconstitutional. Sheikh Hasina’s government will not allow any election or any process that is unconstitutional.
The Minister made the remarks after inaugurating the newly constructed fish landing center of Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation at Mahipur in Kalapara upazila of Patuakhali on Monday (September 20).
The Livestock Minister said that in a democratic state system, there is no provision to give state power to an unelected government. It is not possible for the BNP to dream of coming to power through a caretaker government. People will vote, the vote will determine who will come to power.
The Minister said the Sheikh Hasina’s government has taken a comprehensive plan to increase the country's fisheries resources. Research center has been set up for research on Hilsa. In order to increase the production in the part of the country where hilsa is declining, so that the hilsa can breed smoothly, these issues have been taken into consideration. Extensive plans have been taken to increase the production of hilsa in the rivers which used to have hilsa but are not there now.
He said sanctuaries are being set up to increase fish production. All the areas that need to be monitored to stop unwanted fishing are being monitored. We are taking care that the depth of the river is not disturbed and the nature of the river is not disturbed. Damage to fisheries due to navigability of the river will be brought to the notice of the concerned ministry.
Responding to a question from reporters at the time, the Minister said fisherman registration is an ongoing process and the list of fishermen is being updated. The registration of fishermen will be updated within the next 6 months. Real fishermen will come under this list. VGF assistance to real fishermen during fishing stops as well as alternative employment materials are being distributed.
He also assured that the real fishermen will get government facilities when the fishing is stopped. He also said that changes would be considered while stopping fishing. The government is also considering providing modern technology facilities to those who go for fishing in the sea, the Minister said.
Replying to another question from reporters, the Minister said the decision to stop fishing in rivers or seas of India near Bangladesh at the same time as fishing was stopped in Bangladesh was taken in a meeting with the Indian High Commissioner.
Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation Chairman Kazi Hasan Ahmed, Additional Secretary of Fisheries and Livestock Taufiqul Arif and Joint Secretary. Abdul Matin, Director General of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute Yahya Mahmud, Kalapara Upazila Parishad Chairman SM Rakibul Ahsan, local administration officials and political leaders were present on the occasion.
Earlier, the Minister inaugurated the Alipur Fisheries Landing Center of Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation and the Office Work Research Center at Khepupara River Substation of Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute in Kalapara Upazila of Patuakhali.