Dhaka: The government has declared a 58-day fishing ban in the Bay of Bengal starting from April 15 to June 11, aiming to protect marine resources. Fisheries and Livestock Minister Amin Ur Rashid announced this decision on Monday during a press conference at the Secretariat.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the government is dedicated to boosting sustainable Hilsa production and ensuring this fish remains affordable for the general populace. The minister emphasized that the government is implementing timely and practical measures to conserve Hilsa and secure its sustainable production. These measures include safeguarding juvenile Hilsa (jatka), imposing fishing bans during specific periods, establishing protected areas, and enforcing the Fisheries Conservation Act. Such initiatives have led to a steady increase in Hilsa production, reaching 500,000 metric tons in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
Minister Rashid addressed the challenges of river filling, climate change, river pollution, and the increasing pressure on fisheries resources, acknowledging that these factors make sustaining production a significant challenge. He assured that the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock would collaborate inclusively with all stakeholders to tackle these issues.
Highlighting the cultural and economic importance of Hilsa, the minister emphasized its integral role in the nation’s culture, traditions, and heritage. Hilsa contributes approximately 9.79% to the total national fish production and nearly 1% to Bangladesh’s GDP. Over 80% of the world’s Hilsa is sourced from Bangladesh’s rivers, estuaries, and seas, positioning the country as the leader among the 11 Hilsa-producing nations.
The fish has been recognized as a Geographical Indication (GI) product. Nearly 600,000 people are directly engaged in Hilsa harvesting, while an additional 2 to 2.5 million individuals are involved in related activities such as transportation, sales, net and boat making, ice production, processing, and export, according to the minister.
The government has outlined several Hilsa protection measures, which include the fishing ban in the Bay of Bengal from April 15 to June 11, a 22-day ban during the breeding season, a total prohibition on catching, transporting, and selling jatka from November 1 to June 30, the establishment of six Hilsa sanctuaries, seasonal fishing restrictions, and the creation of 3,188 sq km of marine protected areas. Additionally, food and alternative employment support for fishermen are part of the initiatives.
Projects like the Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries and Hilsa Resource Development programs are being executed alongside legal amendments and stringent enforcement. In response to a query about rising Hilsa prices, the minister stated that the government’s priority is to enhance production, which will naturally increase supply and lower market prices. Efforts are also underway to streamline the entire process from production to consumer, he added.