Barishal: An extensive surveillance operation is being conducted in rivers and marine waters across 38 districts, with a focus on the Barishal and Chattogram zones, to protect mother Hilsha fish during their peak breeding period. This initiative, which involves the use of drones alongside regular patrols and drives, aims to ensure the safe breeding and growth of Hilsha.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Deputy Director of the Hilsha Management Section of the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Firoz Ahamed, stated that the surveillance measures, which began at midnight on October 3, will continue until midnight on October 25, as per government orders. The government has imposed a 22-day fishing ban, prohibiting all fishing activities to protect Hilsha during this critical time. Violators of the ban could face up to two years in prison or a fine of Taka 5,000 under the Fisheries Act.
The operation, supported by the Bangladesh Navy, Bangladesh Coast Guard, and River Police, has seen a significant increase in manpower to enforce the ban effectively. Assistant Director and Deputy Chief of the Hilsha Management Section of DoF, Muhammad Kamruzzaman, emphasized the importance of prioritizing Barishal and Chattogram zones to ensure the protection of mother Hilsha. The campaign has already resulted in the arrest of over 100 people and the confiscation of illegal fishing nets.
In support of affected fishing communities, the government has distributed 25 kg of rice to 15,443 fisherman families across 165 upazilas under the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) program. The Department of Fisheries has also implemented a comprehensive enforcement strategy in Bhola district, involving a 190-kilometer fisheries sanctuary covering several major rivers. Specialized forces, including patrols by the Navy, Naval Police, Coast Guard, and Air Force, are part of the surveillance efforts.
The ban encompasses the Meghna, Tetulia, Kalabadar, Betua, and Ilisha rivers, with specific sections of the Meghna and Tetulia rivers designated as no-fishing zones. This initiative is part of the larger 'Ma Hilsa Preservation Campaign-2025', designed to coincide with key lunar phases conducive to Hilsha breeding.
In Patuakhali district, most fishing trawlers have returned to the Shibbaria River in Mahipur and Alipur, as fishermen demand increased incentives and enhanced patrols to deter illegal fishing activities by neighboring countries. Kalapara Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Apu Saha assured that patrols will be maintained day and night to enforce the ban, with government assistance provided to fishermen during this period.
In Chattogram, a 140-kilometer stretch from Mirsari upazila to Teknaf upazila has been declared a Hilsa sanctuary. Task forces at the district and upazila levels, along with law enforcement agencies and the Department of Fisheries, have coordinated efforts to enforce the ban. Over one lakh registered fishermen in the area will receive food aid, with distribution set to begin next week. Acting Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram, Mohammad Kamruzzaman, urged fishermen to comply with the ban to ensure future Hilsha production.
Fisherman Kamal Uddin from Banskhali confirmed compliance with the ban, while fish trader Abdur Rahman from Fringi Bazar Fish Market noted that some fishermen continue to fish to sustain their livelihoods. He suggested that maintaining a continuous administrative presence in fishing villages could enhance the campaign's success.