Bhola: Fishing operations resumed across Bhola at midnight on Thursday following the conclusion of a two-month government-imposed ban aimed at enhancing hilsa output and conserving juvenile fish (jatka). Fishermen returning to the district’s rivers have already begun netting significant quantities of hilsa, restoring activity to the coastal waterways after the seasonal suspension.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the ban, in effect from March 1 to April 30, was enforced in six hilsa sanctuaries, including the Meghna, Tetulia, Kalabadar, Betua, Buragouranga, and Ilisha rivers. The Department of Fisheries conducted awareness meetings and distributed leaflets to ensure compliance. During this period, fishing was prohibited within a 190-kilometer area covering two sanctuaries in the Meghna and Tetulia rivers, leading to a successful conservation effort.
On visiting the fish markets (arats) in Ilisha on the outskirts of the town, it was observed that fishermen brought in large quantities of hilsa caught overnight. Prices are high on the first day of harvesting, with one-kilogram hilsa being sold for Tk 2,000 to Tk 2,200, while prices range from Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,500 per kg depending on size. Despite this, many buyers are crowding the markets, eager to enjoy hilsa regardless of the cost.
Due to the 60-day fishing ban, most fishermen in Bhola received government assistance. They reported that, unlike before, they faced no difficulties in receiving aid this time as there was no interference from middlemen. The nets that remained dry for two months are now being cast again into the turbulent waters of the Meghna River, bringing in various types of fish. There is widespread joy among fishermen’s families as they return to the rivers, reportedly catching large quantities of hilsa.
At Shibpur Fish Landing Center in Bhola Sadar, groups of fishermen were seen heading to the river to fish. Fishermen Abdur Rashid, Abul Kalam Majhi, and Rabiul Majhi shared that while they complied with the ban, some individuals were caught fishing illegally. They suggested that extending government assistance to all fishermen could ensure the ban’s success every year.
At Ilisha Fish Landing Center, markets have resumed operations with auctions restarting and fish trading in full swing. Surrounding tea stalls, grocery shops, and restaurants are bustling with customers and traders. Abul Bashar Badsha Mia, President of the Bhola Arat Owners Association, expressed hope for a plentiful supply of hilsa and other types of fish this season.
Bhola District Fisheries Officer Md Iqbal Hossain noted that representatives from the Coast Guard, River Police, Fisheries Department, fish traders, and fishermen participated in awareness programmes. During the ban, loan installments for fishermen were suspended, and essential commodities were distributed among fishermen alongside rice, marking a significant improvement in support compared to previous years.
Leaders of fishermen’s associations in Bhola highlighted that out of 168,000 registered fishermen, about 100,000 received assistance during the ban, while 68,000 registered fishermen are still deprived of such benefits. Authorities reported that 90,213 fishermen received 40 kg of government rice per month during the two-month ban. They also demanded support for over 100,000 unregistered fishermen.