Cox’s Bazar: With the end of an almost two-month fishing ban in the Bay of Bengal, the people from the country’s fishing community have started returning to the sea to catch fish. The 58-day ban came to an end at midnight on Wednesday, paving the way for resuming fishing activities. Most of the fishermen were seen bidding farewell to their families after Jumma prayers today to go to sea in search of their livelihood.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, since Thursday, the fishermen had been gathering supplies, stockpiling their essential commodities, and completing necessary preparations for their sea expedition. It was learned from the families of coastal fishermen that many are already making final preparations to go fishing in the sea. Some ventured out on Thursday, while most plan to leave today after Friday prayers.
The government imposed the fishing ban from April 15 to protect and increase 473 species of marine fish, including Hilsa. After 58 days, the ban was lifted last Wednesday at midnight. The waiting period for fishermen along the coast, including Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Khulna, Satkhira, Barisal, Patuakhali, and Bhola, is now over. Consequently, they are heading to the sea.
Meanwhile, traders and warehouse owners at the coastal fishing pier have also completed their preparations. As soon as the fishermen bring in the catch, they are ready to buy and store it. Ice mills are operational, and the necessary ice is being loaded onto the trawlers and stored at the pier.
Abdur Gafur, a 35-year-old fisherman from Cox’s Bazar, shared that he has been going to the sea since he was 20 years old. “God willing, I will go tomorrow (Friday) too. Special prayers will be offered at the coastal mosques during Friday prayers to protect the lives and property of fishermen at sea,” he said yesterday.
Syed Alam, a fish trader at Teknaf Municipality, mentioned that the fishermen have finished repairing and cleaning the jetty, and are now focused on getting ice. Approximately fifty fishing boats, varying in size, are preparing to leave the pier today, Friday. Each medium-sized trawler is spending at least Taka 30,000 to 1,00,000 on essentials, while large trawlers are carrying goods worth at least Taka 2,00,000.