Dhaka: The government has implemented a 58-day fishing ban in the Bay of Bengal starting from midnight, aiming to protect marine biodiversity and facilitate the breeding and production of approximately 475 fish species. This ban will be in effect from April 15 midnight to June 11, according to a press release from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this decision follows a historical precedent set by the Marine Fisheries Ordinance, which had previously enforced a 65-day annual fishing ban from May 20 to July 23 since 2015. Initially, the restrictions were applicable only to industrial trawlers, but in 2019, the scope of the ban was expanded to include all mechanized boats and coastal fishing vessels.
Fishermen have long voiced their dissatisfaction with the 65-day ban, citing that while they adhered to the restrictions, fishermen from neighboring countries often intruded into local waters for illegal fishing. Responding to these concerns, the government adjusted the ban period last year to 58 days, aligning it with a neighboring country's fishing restriction period.
The government will also provide support to the fishing community during the ban. Through the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) program, 3,11,062 sea-going fishermen from 67 upazilas across 14 coastal districts and Chattogram City Corporation are set to receive 40 kg of rice per month throughout the 58-day period.
In a related context, during the ban period in 2025, law enforcement agencies conducted extensive operations to ensure compliance with the restriction. A total of 3,585 operations and 136 mobile court drives were carried out, resulting in the seizure of 5,219 nets and 81.62 tonnes of fish. Additionally, 45 vessels were seized, 55 legal cases were filed, 16 individuals were sentenced to imprisonment, and fines amounting to Tk 34.82 lakh were collected for violations.