Dhaka: The Bangladesh Navy has launched the Mother Hilsa Conservation Campaign-2025, a 22-day initiative aimed at preserving the vital hilsa fish population by instituting a complete ban on harvesting, transportation, storage, purchase, sale, and exchange of hilsa. In addition to hilsa, the campaign also prohibits the harvesting of all fish species using any type of fishing vessels within marine fishing areas.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the government directive for the campaign is being actively enforced by the Bangladesh Navy, which is deployed across the sea, rivers, and coastal regions. Seventeen warships are currently patrolling nine districts under the ‘In Aid to Civil Power’ framework, ensuring strict adherence to the conservation measures.
Specific naval assets such as BNS Dhansiri/Shaheed Farid and BNDB Gangchil are monitoring the Chandpur area, while other vessels are stationed in Cox’s Bazar, Khulna, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Barguna, Barisal, and Patuakhali. The Navy’s warships, along with modern maritime patrol aircraft, conduct round-the-clock surveillance to prevent any illegal fishing activities, including the intrusion of foreign fishing trawlers into the deep sea.
The Navy collaborates closely with local administration, armed forces, coast guard, naval police, and fisheries authorities to enforce laws against illegal hilsa harvesting. The campaign also focuses on raising public awareness and ensuring the protection of hilsa breeding grounds.
The ISPR release emphasizes the Navy’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding hilsa breeding areas, facilitating free reproduction, and preserving mother hilsa as a crucial national economic resource. By creating a secure breeding environment, the Bangladesh Navy is instrumental in boosting the national fish population and enriching the country’s fishery resources.