Bhola: An extensive surveillance operation is underway in rivers and marine waters across 38 districts, particularly in the Barishal and Chattogram zones, utilizing drones alongside regular patrols to protect mother Hilsha during their peak breeding period.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Deputy Director of Hilsha Management Section of the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Firoz Ahamed, confirmed today that the surveillance operation began on October 3 and will continue until October 25 as per government orders. The operation includes a 22-day fishing ban aimed at ensuring the safe movement and spawning of mother Hilsha. The government circular prohibits all types of fishing activities, including catching, transporting, storing, marketing, buying, selling, or exchanging Hilsha and other fish species within Bangladesh's marine fishing zones during this period.
Violators of the ban could face up to two years in prison, a fine of Taka 5,000, or both under the Fisheries Act. Firoz Ahamed also mentioned that manpower from various sources has been engaged to bolster the campaign to protect mother Hilsha. The Department of Fisheries is collaborating with the Bangladesh Navy, Coast Guard, and River Police to execute extensive drives in support of this initiative.
Assistant Director and Deputy Chief of Hilsha Management Section, Muhammad Kamruzzaman, emphasized the priority given to Barishal and Chattogram zones among the 38 districts for safeguarding mother Hilsha. In recent days, illegal fishing nets have been seized, and over 100 individuals arrested for fishing during the ban and using unauthorized nets.
The government, under the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) program, has distributed 25 kg of rice to 15,443 families of fishermen across 165 upazilas nationwide. In Bhola, the ban is enforced by the Department of Fisheries and covers a crucial 190-kilometer fisheries sanctuary, with specialized forces, including the Navy, Naval Police, Coast Guard, and Air Force, involved in surveillance efforts.
The sanctuary includes the Meghna, Tetulia, Kalabadar, Betua, and Ilisha rivers, with specific sections of the Meghna and Tetulia rivers designated as prohibited zones for all types of fishing. This operation is part of the larger 'Ma Hilsa Preservation Campaign-2025'. Bhola District Fisheries Officer Iqbal Hossain stated that the restriction was decided by senior government authorities, affecting approximately 1.5 lakh registered fishermen and an estimated 2.5 lakh individuals who earn their livelihoods through fishing.
In Patuakhali, most fishing trawlers have returned to the Shibbaria River due to the ban, with fishermen demanding increased government incentives and stronger patrols in the sea to prevent incursions by foreign fishermen. Kalapara Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Apu Saha noted that patrols will remain vigilant day and night, with government assistance provided to fishermen.
In Chattogram, a 140-kilometer stretch from Mirsari upazila to Teknaf upazila is designated as a Hilsa sanctuary, where all fishing-related activities are strictly prohibited. Over one lakh registered fishermen in affected areas will receive 40 kg of food aid, with distribution starting next week. Acting Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram, Mohammad Kamruzzaman, called for patience, urging fishermen to comply with the ban to enhance future production.
Fishermen like Kamal Uddin from Banskhali and fish traders such as Abdur Rahman from Fringi Bazar Fish Market have expressed their compliance and the challenges they face during this period, highlighting the need for administrative support in fishing communities.