They also called for introducing 'Jaal Zar Jala Tar' (Those who have fishing net have the right to water body) policy instead.

The land ministry at a meeting on June 16 has taken a decision to introduce the new policy.

Only the middlemen will benefit from the new policy as the poor fishermen will not be able to take a lease on jalmahal by competing with them, said the leaders of the National Fishermen Association at a press conference in the city.

"The new policy violates the fundamental rights of fishermen. On the other hand, it creates an opportunity for the middlemen to occupy the Jalmahals," said Md Islam Ali, president of the association.

The leaders also demanded effective steps to stop the use of all banned nets, including current net, saying that a vested quarter is still using the current nets to catch jatka (young hilsa) by paying bribes to the law enforcers.

They suggested to the government to launch a crackdown on the factories producing current nets and stop import of such nets.

The leaders also threatened to launch a tougher movement, including hunger strike, sit-in, and protest rally, if their demands are not met immediately.

They called on the government to take effective steps to eliminate poverty of the fishermen.

Babu Fani Bhusan Malo, secretary general of the association, Chan Mian Bepari, organising secretary, and other leaders were present at the press conference held at the National Press Club.