Lakshmipur:The 22-day fishing ban in the Meghna River, aimed at conserving jatka and protecting mother Hilsa, will conclude at midnight on October 29. This initiative in Lakshmipur was implemented to enhance fish production in the region.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, District Fisheries Officer Md. Jasim Uddin expressed optimism that fish production would increase compared to last year due to the successful enforcement of the ban. Approximately 54,000 registered fishermen in Lakshmipur rely on the Meghna River for their livelihoods, and they are now preparing to resume their activities by repairing nets, boats, and other equipment.
During the ban, 229 enforcement drives and mobile court operations were conducted, resulting in the arrest of 150 fishermen, with 73 receiving various prison sentences and 77 fined a total of Taka 1.95 lakh. Authorities seized 4.5 tonnes of Hilsa and 20 boats, distributing the confiscated fish to orphanages. Additionally, 3.7 million metres of current nets were seized.
The Department of Fisheries led a task force committee to conduct operations from October 8 to October 27 along the Meghna River. Fishermen received support through the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme, which allocated 1,153 metric tonnes of rice, providing 25 kilograms per fisherman.
Local fishermen Shafik Ullah and Mana Majhi of Motirhat fishing ghat mentioned that compliance with the ban was stricter this year, preventing them from fishing. They confirmed receiving their VGF rice on schedule and are ready to resume fishing once the ban is lifted.
Abul Kalam and Tofayel Ahmed, fishermen from Majuchowdhuryhat ghat, noted that the annual drives help conserve jatka and increase Hilsa production. Md. Abdur Rahman, a sub-inspector of the river police, highlighted the round-the-clock operations, emphasizing the cooperation among river police, fisheries authorities, Coast Guard, and local administration in ensuring the operation's success.
The fish production target for this year is set at 25,000 metric tonnes, which is 2,000 metric tonnes higher than last year's target.