Dhaka, Oct. 13 -- Civil society representatives on Sunday demanded timely and equitable support for small-scale fishing communities during the fishing ban, calling for alternative livelihoods and stronger government assistance to prevent hunger and economic hardship.

They made the demand at a national press conference titled *"Not Just Imposing Fishing Ban, We Demand Safe Alternative Livelihoods to Ensure Equitable Support for Small-scale Fishers" organized by COAST Foundation at Dhaka Reporters Unity in the capital .

Speakers at the event expressed concern over declining Hilsa catch, delayed relief distribution, climate-induced disasters, limited income alternatives, and rising informal debt that force many fishers into illegal fishing...