Patuakhali: In the coastal district of Patuakhali, a government ban on fishing all types of fish, including Hilsa, in the sea and rivers for 22 days will come into effect from midnight on October 4. This measure aims to preserve the mother Hilsa during its critical breeding season.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during this period, fishing, transportation, storage, marketing, and buying and selling of Hilsa will be completely prohibited. In an effort to ensure compliance, authorities have been actively broadcasting messages across the district to raise public awareness about the ban.
In response to the ban, most fishing trawlers stationed in the Bay of Bengal have returned to the Shibbaria River in Mahipur and Alipur since Friday morning. Fishermen, while complying with the regulations, have called for an increase in government incentives and the strengthening of administrative patrols to prevent encroachments by fishermen from neighboring countries.
Speaking to the BSS, Kalapara Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Apu Saha stated, “Our patrols will be strong day and night to enforce the ban… During this time, government assistance will be provided to fishermen.” The 22-day fishing ban will continue till October 25, 2025.