Chandpur: The government has announced a two-month prohibition on fishing activities in the Padma and Meghna rivers, effective from Saturday midnight, in a bid to enhance hilsa production and safeguard jatka. The ban, which affects the catching, sale, transportation, and storage of fish, will be enforced from March 1 to April 30 along specific stretches of these rivers. Authorities have issued warnings that strict penalties will be imposed on those who violate the ban.
According to United News of Bangladesh, a sanctuary spanning nearly 70 kilometers has been established from Satnal in Matlab Uttar upazila to Char Bhairabi in Haimchar via Chandpur Sadar. During this period, approximately 47,000 registered fishermen will abstain from fishing. To mitigate the impact on these individuals, the government has arranged for VGF rice assistance, providing 39,400 of the affected fishermen with 40 kg of rice per month for four months, from February to May, totaling 160 kg per person.
Despite the provision of rice aid, several fishermen residing along the banks of the Meghna River have expressed concerns about its sufficiency, stating that it is inadequate for their families’ needs. They have appealed to the government for additional financial assistance during the ban period.
Enforcement of the ban will be stringent, with Chandpur Sadar Senior Fisheries Officer Mirza Omar Faruk confirming that district and upazila task forces will oversee compliance and conduct mobile courts to prevent illegal jatka fishing. Naval Police Superintendent Syed Mosfiqul Rahman added that patrols would be active throughout the ban, promising legal action under fisheries laws against offenders.
In a call for collaboration, District Administrator Md Nazmul Islam Sarker urged all stakeholders to support the conservation efforts for jatka. Hilsa researcher Dr. Anisur Rahman emphasized the long-term benefits of this initiative, stating that protecting jatka now will secure higher hilsa yields in the future.