Chandpur:The government has implemented a comprehensive 22-day ban on catching, selling, transporting, and hoarding Hilsa fish, effective from midnight tonight. This measure aims to protect mother Hilsa during the critical breeding period, ensuring the sustainability of the national fish resource.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the ban will be in force from October 8 to October 29, following a decision by the National Taskforce Committee on Hilsa Resource Development. The committee, in a recent meeting at the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and the Ministry of Agriculture, also decided to prohibit the transportation, storage, marketing, buying, selling, and exchange of Hilsa nationwide during this period.
To support the fishermen impacted by this restriction, the government is distributing Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) food assistance. Fishermen are already beginning to return to fish landing centers as the ban approaches, with many preparing their equipment and boats for the halt in activity.
In Chandpur, enforcement of the ban has begun on a 70-kilometer stretch of the Padma-Meghna rivers. Fishermen have been observed bringing their boats and nets ashore, with some engaging in repairs in anticipation of the period. District and upazila task forces are set to enforce the restriction, having made preparations to ensure compliance.
Local fishermen and traders have expressed their willingness to cooperate with authorities to facilitate the safe spawning of Hilsa. However, concerns have been raised about the need for improved enforcement and patrolling, especially in canal areas connected to the Meghna River, to prevent illegal fishing activities.
Chandpur Sadar Upazila Fisheries Officer Mirza Omar Faruk reported that awareness campaigns are underway in coastal areas to deter fishing during the ban. Meanwhile, Chandpur District Fisheries Officer Md Fakhrul Islam stated that district and upazila task forces would conduct regular patrols in sanctuary areas to safeguard Hilsa during the breeding season. Violators of the ban will face legal consequences.
The government has provided 25 kilograms of rice to each of the 41,000 registered fishermen instructed to refrain from fishing during this period, as part of the assistance program to mitigate the impact of the ban.