Dhaka: The government has imposed a two-month ban on all types of fishing in the Meghna River from March 1 to April 30, in a bid to conserve Jatka and increase Hilsa production. The local administration, in collaboration with the Fisheries Department, Coast Guard, and Naval Police, has begun enforcing the ban today, which covers a 100-kilometer stretch of the river from Alexander in Ramgati to Shatanal in Chandpur.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Md. Billal Hossain, District Fisheries Officer, emphasized the importance of the ban for conserving Jatka and boosting Hilsa production. He stated that daily operations would be conducted in coordination with the Fisheries Department, Upazila-District Administration, Police, and Coast Guard to ensure successful implementation. On the first day of enforcement, no fishing boats were observed in the Meghna River, and fishermen remained idle at 50 fishing ghats while ice factories in the area were closed.
During the two-month ban, activities related to Hilsa conservation, harvesting, transportation, marketing, and storage are also prohibited. The Fisheries Department has announced the distribution of 80 kg of Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) rice to each registered fisherman. Awareness campaigns, including miking and postering, are being carried out to ensure compliance with the ban.
The district has approximately 52,000 fishermen, of whom 43,000 are registered. District authorities have warned of legal actions, including fines and imprisonment, for those who violate the ban. If successful, the government hopes that this initiative will significantly increase Hilsa production in the Meghna River.