Patuakhali, Mar 16 (V7N) – State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque Nur on Monday said the government will take steps to abolish the fishing lease system so that fishermen can catch fish freely without obstacles.

“Those who own the nets will have the right to fish; there will be no need to take leases for fishing anymore,” he said while inaugurating the re-excavation work of the Galachipa canal and its branch canals at Shantibagh area under Galachipa municipality in Patuakhali.

The programme is part of a nationwide initiative to excavate and re-excavate rivers, canals, and other water bodies across the country.

The state minister noted that fishermen currently face difficulties as they are often required to take leases for wetlands. “Measures will be taken so that only those who own fishing nets can fish and the leasing system will no longer be necessary,” he added.

He also emphasized that no partisan considerations would be allowed in distributing benefits under the government’s social safety net programmes.

Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, Nurul Haque Nur urged authorities to ensure that VGF rice, old-age allowances, and other government assistance reach the genuine beneficiaries.

Referring to pre-election commitments, he said initiatives would be taken to open up lands in char areas so that people with valid documents can possess and use their land. He also stressed the importance of distributing lands leased for one year among real landless people.

The programme was chaired by Patuakhali Deputy Commissioner Dr Md Shahid Hossain Chowdhury and attended by local administration officials, public representatives, and prominent residents of the area.

END/AJ/RH/