Dhaka: The National ‘Jatka Conservation Week-2026’ will be observed from April 7 to April 13 with the goal of raising public awareness about the importance of preserving hilsa fry to enhance fish production. This initiative, organized by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, will take place in 20 districts known for their hilsa population, as announced by Fisheries and Livestock Minister Amin Ur Rashid during a press briefing at the ministry’s conference room.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the inaugural ceremony is scheduled to occur in Chandpur Sadar on Tuesday. In addition to a three-day central program, various awareness activities are planned at the district and upazila levels. The theme for this year is, ‘If we stop catching jatka, rivers and seas will be filled with hilsa.’
The government has implemented several measures to protect hilsa, including a 58-day fishing ban in the Bay of Bengal from April 15 to June 11, a 22-day ban on hilsa harvesting during peak breeding seasons, and a prohibition on catching, transporting, and selling jatka from November 1 to June 30. The establishment of six hilsa sanctuaries, seasonal fishing bans in designated areas, and the declaration of a 3,188 sq km marine protected area are part of these efforts. Additionally, the government provides VGF food assistance and alternative livelihood support for fishers.
Projects like ‘Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries’ and ‘Hilsa Resource Development’ are underway alongside legal reforms and stricter enforcement, as noted by the minister. These efforts have led to a steady increase in hilsa production, with joint operations by law enforcement and administration expanding the presence of jatka beyond the Meghna River to the Padma, Jamuna, Brahmaputra, and Surma rivers.
Significant hilsa catches are being reported in districts along the Padma and Jamuna rivers. Special operations are being conducted to address the use of illegal nets, such as current and behundi nets, which pose a threat to hilsa production. To prevent indiscriminate jatka harvesting, the government is combining awareness campaigns with strict enforcement measures.
In January-February, a 30-day ‘Special Combing Operation 2026’ was carried out across 96 upazilas in 18 districts, followed by a 15-day drive in 79 upazilas in March. These operations will continue until June. Government support for fishers has been increased to ensure their cooperation in jatka conservation, with approximately 367,000 fisher families receiving 40 kg of rice per month for four months, totaling 58,720 metric tonnes annually. Additionally, 619,312 families received 25 kg of food assistance during the breeding season.
Under the Hilsa Resource Development and Management Project, fishers are also receiving training, equipment, and calves to support alternative income generation. Coordinated efforts among the ministry, the Department of Fisheries, research institutions, and law enforcement agencies are ongoing to achieve these goals. Minister Amin Ur Rashid called for collective action, urging the public to refrain from catching, buying, selling, or storing jatka.