The fisheries sector will also be made smart to increase production



Ruhul Amin, Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com, Dhaka
Photo: Barta24.com

Photo: Barta24.com

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Jatka Conservation Week 2024 started from Monday (March 11). This year's theme is 'Hilsha is the king of fish, Jatka hunters will be punished'. On this occasion, the Department of Fisheries organized a public meeting in the mole head large station area of Chandpur and an awareness boat rally in the adjacent river. Minister of Fisheries and Livestock Abdur Rahman went to Chandpur to attend the launch rally from Dhaka. On the way back, in a private conversation with Barta24.com, the minister outlined his detailed plans for the ministry.

In a private conversation, the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock spoke about the various problems faced by fishermen and his various plans to solve them. At this time, he emphasized the importance of arranging small loans from banks for fishermen, being strict with the use of illegal nets and stopping the sources, taking smart steps to increase fish production and preparing the correct list of fishermen.

The interview was conducted by Barta24.com Staff Correspondent Ruhul Amin.

Barta24.com: It is difficult for fishermen to get small loans from banks. Do you have any plans to get loans easily in that case?

Abdur Rahman: This is a disease of ours. Negligence is fatally bad where those who exercise responsibility. We are thinking of sitting and discussing with Bangladesh Bank. If the farmer wants to grow fish in the pond or drain near his house through the micro credit scheme, if we can convince Bangladesh Bank and if they cooperate with us, then there will be two things. One is that our production will increase, secondly employment will be created. Employment of lakhs of unemployed youths can be created. It is a sector with huge potential.

Barta24.com: Your election promise this year is to build a smart Bangladesh. In that case, how do you want to make the fishing industry smarter?

Abdur Rahman: The aim of smart fisheries sector is to increase fish production. We have enough material to increase that production. In our country, it is necessary to make the canals, khals, rivers, closed reservoirs, ponds suitable for fish farming and to rehabilitate them. Thus if we venture into fish farming then surely we will get a good result from it.

Barta24.com: What steps will be taken to increase foreign exchange earnings by increasing fish exports?

Abdur Rahman: In terms of fish exports, we mainly export shrimps. We have already started various processes to start cultivation of a new shrimp variety called Venami. Its production capacity is about 40 times more than normal shrimp. If we can go there, Insha Allah, it is possible to earn satisfactory foreign exchange by exporting shrimp and hilsa. This sector will play a big role in our GDP.

Barta24.com: Hilsa is said to play a major role in Bangladesh's GDP. What kind of steps will we see in the future to protect and increase the production of hilsa?

Abdur Rahman: Hilsa is basically a natural resource. It has no chance of cultivation or rearing. So making a hundred fries from one fish is the main technique of hilsa production. If protection can be given in that place, then production is bound to increase. If we can stop fry or jatka catching, and if this work can be done successfully with various kinds of encouragement and incentives, then I think we will get an unprecedented result.

Barta24.com: The support given to fishermen during the ban on fishing does not reach the actual fishermen in many cases. In that case, is there a plan to associate public representatives with it?

Abdur Rahman: You will see that moneylenders are associated with this sector. They buy them in advance from the fishermen in the off-season with a small amount of money. Then they sell it in the market at a higher price. This culture is not new in our country.

I don't think this role can be completely eliminated. If the list of real fishermen, those who collect fish can be smartly formulated, if the government agricultural banks give those loans for a specific period, then the gangs are bound to disappear.

Barta24.com: What measures will be taken to eliminate illegal counterfeit producers?

Abdur Rahman: Is it possible to kill only illegal fakes with legal help? Who will kill this fake? Administration people. I asked the administration to look seriously but they looked less attentive, then it won't happen. However, if someone gets an opportunity to do something without hindrance, then he will get the benefit, but if there are obstacles in various ways, if he can be kept careful in various ways, then he will not be able to do that work as easily.

If I take an initiative and get 80% results then that is good enough. But I have to keep the pressure to get 100% results. Maybe I'm not 20 percent but still get a good result. My personal feeling is that it is very difficult if there is no commitment to people. Because they are greedy businessmen when I asked them to attack and eliminate illegal fakes.

Barta24.com: There are allegations that in many cases children are used to catch jatka. Local government people are also heard to be involved in this. What action will be taken in this regard?

Abdur Rahman: Local government people must be involved. But the place of disappointment is that you have to take into consideration their sincerity, where their free is will. If necessary, instead of leaving the children on bail, they should be told that those who are using you should not be used.

Barta24.com: You are now in the highest forum of Awami League from Chhatra League. But this is the first time you have become a minister. What are your feelings about it?

Abdur Rahman: It is a big recognition in the life of a political worker. There is a great opportunity to work from a team point of view. Again, if the party is in charge of the government, there too. Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given me a responsibility in her government. It has positive satisfaction. As a political activist in the true sense, I think that getting such an opportunity is to use this opportunity for the welfare of the people. If that work can be done successfully, beautifully, that is a great achievement.

Barta24.com: What is the future plan of your ministry as part of the government?

Abdur Rahman: Ministry of Fisheries is a people-oriented ministry. This ministry is involved in the daily life of our entire population. Our plan is to provide non-vegetarian food to people self-sufficiently and to meet our own needs and to export it as well.

Barta24.com: How challenging do you find this new responsibility?

Abdur Rahman: There are challenges in every job. It is self-interested to face the challenge and bring it under control, to present it to people from a productive view, to use it for people. If a person wants to work with them with devotion and honesty then success is bound to come. I believe I have that kind of inclination, desire. I want to do something for people. Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina's desire to carry out the responsibility with devotion is the big thing. I have that desire.

   

Jarul's magical touch in the land of mango-silk



District Correspondent, Barta24.com
Picture: Barta24

Picture: Barta24

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The sweetness of Rajshahi mangoes and the soft touch of silk blend with tradition. Jarul Phul has created a new magic there. The blue glow of Jarul has now created a charming scene in the heart of this city known as Muktadhara. Along the way, across the alleys, the colorful blue to dark blue play of Jarul flowers enveloped Rajshahi in a different kind of beauty.

This beauty is not only eye-catching but also leaves a soft touch of joy deep in the heart. Where Rajshahi, famous for its mangoes and silks, now covered in the turquoise of Jarul, has become a new center of attraction.

Jarul flowers fascinate nature lovers with their beauty and fragrance. The flower reaches its full maturity from early spring to late summer.

Jarul is now a common sight in various parks, University campuses, roadsides and house yards in Rajshahi. The people of the city say that this gentle presence of Jarul instills a sense of peace in their minds, which creates an atmosphere of liberation from the noise of the daily hustle and bustle.

Environmentalists and horticulturists believe that this wide spread of Jarul helps in controlling the city's climate and air pollution levels. Also, it contributes to increasing biodiversity.

Jharul's magnificent scenery in different parts of the city adds a new chapter to the natural beauty and cultural chapter. It is now a center of attraction for photographers and tourists. They said, this wonderful beauty of Jarul captures a different dimension in their camera lens.

This flower has added a sweet chapter in the life of the people of Rajshahi city. The charming touch of Jarul makes the beauty that grows on the way here more special, which makes the face of Rajshahi familiar in a new identity. This rich land is now wrapped in a new charm - the magical touch of Jarul flowers.

Impressed by the blue glow of Jarul, poet Ahsan Habib praised Jarul in his poem "Swades". He wrote, the light of happiness lit up in the corner of the mind, then drew a unique picture - a huge jarul tree on one side, two yellow birds on its branches.

Not only Ahsan Habib, 'poet of Rupsi Bengal' Jibanananda Das also brought alive the artistic form of Jarul in his poetry.

He wrote, 'The clouds come wet at the side of the river alone, sitting on the branch of the Jarul tree and looking at the other side.' by doing

From the railway gate of the city to the heritage square and the islands of the bypass road, the beauty of Jarul flowers is eye-catching. Travelers on this route are mesmerized by the beautiful scenery that unfolds before their eyes.

Alfaz Uddin is returning home through this route after office. He said, I feel a unique happiness by traveling this way every day. The work of the office should disappear in the magic of this path. The beauty of Jarul flowers is truly unparalleled. I think, let's take them home.

Meanwhile, an abundance of Jarul flowers can be seen everywhere in reputed Rajshahi College, which attracts the eyes of students and visitors.

Aishi Islam, a second year student of the Department of Psychology of Rajshahi College, said that the special collection of Jarul in the flower garden of Rajshahi College brings another sense of tranquility. Especially the flowers blooming on the newly planted saplings touch our hearts.

Rajshahi College former teacher of Botany department Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim said, this beauty of Jarul flower is not only eye-catching, but through it the environmental quality and diversity of Rajshahi city is increasing. Jarul flower is an eco-friendly plant and its natural beauty has a positive effect on the weather and environment of the city. In addition, jarul flowers attract different species of birds and butterflies, which helps increase ecological diversity.

He also said that the use of Jarul flowers in educational institutions, parks and roads of Rajshahi is playing a double role in the beauty and environmental protection of the city. It is helping to increase environmental awareness among the city dwellers while enjoying the natural beauty.

Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim also added that Jarul flower shows its purple bloom with the arrival of summer, its beauty prevails from summer to autumn. Students are introduced to the scientific name and identity of each of these medium height trees. Jarul seeds, bark and leaves are effective in diabetes, fever, insomnia, cough, and indigestion, making it not only a symbol of beauty, but an invaluable medicinal plant.

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Ignoring the heat wave, schools and colleges are opening



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Picture: Barta24

Picture: Barta24

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All the primary schools and colleges of the country have opened amid the intense heat wave that is sweeping across the country. After the 32-day long vacation of Ramadan, Eid and heat wave, the premises of the educational institution has become full of students again.

The government has decided to open classes on weekends and Saturdays from next week to meet the shortage of learning caused by the closure. However, this decision will not be effective in the case of primary schools.

On Saturday morning (April 27), the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education informed that, due to the ongoing heat wave, government primary schools under the Directorate of Primary Education, Shishu Kalyan Primary Schools managed by the Shishu Kalyan Trust and learning centers managed by the Non-Formal Education Bureau have closed the classes of government primary schools from Sunday. Activities will continue. The schools run in one shift from 8 am to 11:30 pm daily. Schools operating in two shifts will have first shift from 8 am to 9:30 am and second shift from 9:45 am to 11:30 pm.

Students of schools and colleges across the country, including the capital, have started returning to classrooms despite the scorching heat. Parents are sending children to school. Students are also excited to return to the classroom after a long time.

However, as per the instructions of the Ministry of Education, the assembly in the educational institutions will be dropped until the heat comes to a bearable level. The upazila education officer will formulate a weekly routine for conducting upazila-wise class activities taking into account the routine sent by the Directorate of Primary Education for conducting class activities with the concerned. Pre-primary classes will remain closed until further notice.

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Today is Sheikh Jamal's 71st birthday



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Picture: Collected

Picture: Collected

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Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's second son Sheikh Jamal's 71st birthday today (April 28). He was born on this day in 1954 in Tungipara village of Gopalganj district. Sheikh Jamal passed Matriculation from Dhaka Residential Model College and Intermediate from Dhaka College.

A lover of culture and sports, Sheikh Jamal joined an institute to learn the guitar and was also a good cricketer.

Sheikh Jamal was also under house arrest along with other family members during the Great War of Liberation in 1971. He escaped from there and led the frontline in the Great War of Liberation. After a very dangerous journey from Dhanmondi, Sheikh Jamal reached Agartala, India and joined Mujib Bahini (Bangladesh Liberation Forces, BLF) there after training and participated in the frontal battle in Sector 9 of the Liberation War.

Sheikh Jamal was a patriotic brilliant army officer. He was a commissioned officer in the first batch of the long-term course of the Bangladesh Army. In 1974, Sheikh Jamal attended a training camp as a cadet at the Military Academy of Yugoslavia. Then, after training from Sandhurst Academy in Britain, he returned to the country and joined as the Second Lieutenant in the Second East Bengal Regiment in Dhaka Cantonment.

During his short service in the Second East Bengal, he left an impression of extraordinary professionalism and sincerity among the officers and soldiers. Within weeks, Sheikh Jamal became one of the officers and soldiers. Impress the soldiers by participating in the training ground, in the tactical class, in the obstacle crossing. He used to train the members of the battalion boxing team. On August 14, 1975, he performed his duties in the cantonment as a battalion duty officer. That night he returned from the cantonment to Dhanmondi 32 house. On August 15, 1975, Sheikh Jamal was killed along with other family members by the merciless bullet of an assassin.

On the occasion of celebrating Shaheed Sheikh Jamal's birthday with due dignity, a special prayer will be held at Banani graveyard at 9 am on Sunday at the initiative of Awami League.

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8 buses of Itishah Paribahan detained in JU, released for Tk. 60 thousand



JU Correspondent, Barta24.com, Savar(Dhaka)
photo: collected

photo: collected

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The private car of the sister of a 47th batch student of Computer Science and Engineering Department of Jahangirnagar University (JU) was damaged when a bus of Itihasa Paribahan plying on Dhaka-Aricha highway suddenly braked. In this incident, 8 buses were seized and some students demanded compensation of Tk. 1 lakh 31 thousand. Jasim Howladar, the checker of Itishah Paribahan, confirmed that the buses were released around 7:30 pm after the compensation of Tk. 60,000 was paid.

The incident took place at Shimultala area of Savar on Dhaka-Aricha highway around 9 am on Saturday (April 27). Later, when the sister of the owner of the damaged vehicle told her friends on the campus, they intercepted the buses bound for Aricha between 10 am and 12:30 pm on the Dhaka-Aricha highway near the main gate of the University.

According to eyewitnesses, around 10 am, when a motorcycle was taking a U-turn from the middle lane of the highway in Savar's Radio Colony area, a bus of Itishah Paribahan braked and stopped on the road. Then, when a bus of Savar Paribahan behind the bus of Itishah Paribahan also braked, the private car of the elder sister of a student of the 47th batch of Jahangirnagar University hit the back of the bus. The front of the car was twisted. Later, when JUs student told the incident to her department friends, they appeared on the Dhaka-Aricha highway and intercepted 8 buses of Itishah Paribahan and took the keys.

The driver of a bus of Itihash Paribahan said about the arrest of the bus. Driver Sagar told Barta24.com that when one of our (Itihas) buses braked hard at Savar's Shimultala, a Savar transport bus behind could not handle the speed and knocked our bus behind. And when Savar Paribahan's bus braked, a private car behind hit the back of Savar Paribahan's bus. The front part of the private car was damaged. Due to this, Savar transport bus was not stopped but our buses were stopped.

In this regard, the JU student who was in the damaged private car said that after such a big incident, the bus pulled away quickly without seeing whether someone was dead or alive. Then the driver of my private car got on the Itishah Paribahan bus and asked why he braked so hard, the bus driver and his colleague abused and threatened him and got him off the bus. We want road safety.

Meanwhile, around 7:00 p.m., it can be seen on the ground that 5 buses of Itishah Paribahan are standing in a row on one side of the Dhaka-Aricha highway in front of the main gate of the University. Some of the co-drivers are chatting in the car, while others are sitting on the road. Talking to the driver and staff, it is learnt that although 8 buses were detained, the students forgot to take the keys from 3 buses. Later those three buses left.

The checker of Savar to Jirani route Jasim Howladar confirmed to Barta24.com that when the bus owner was demanded a compensation of Tk. 1 lakh 31 thousand as the private car was damaged, the bus owner authorities settled the matter for Tk. 60 thousand. Jasim Howlader.

He said that the private car was damaged after colliding with the Savar Paribahan bus. But by blocking our bus they are demanding compensation of 1 lakh 31 thousand rupees. It's no fair talk! Even then, both sides discussed and took the keys of the car with a compensation of Tk. 60,000.

To learn about this incident, the newly appointed proctor of the University made several attempts to contact Dr. Alamgir Kabir on his mobile phone but he did not respond.

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