Chandpur: Aimed at increasing production of the Hilsha fish and protecting jatka (immature fishes), the government has imposed a ban on fishing in the Meghna River from March 1 to April 30. Every fisherman will receive 80 kilograms of rice per month during this period under the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme, a district fisheries officer stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the government has allocated 2,300 metric tons of rice for distribution among 43,000 registered fishermen out of a total of 52,000 who rely on fishing in the Meghna River. Fisheries officer Billal Hossain explained that the fisheries department, district administration, police, and Bangladesh Coast Guard will conduct joint operations every day to enforce the ban.
The ban aims to support fair breeding, production, and conservation of marine and sustainable fisheries. Hossain added that catching, hoarding, carrying, and marketing all species of fish will remain prohibited during this period. The two-month restriction will be enforced across fish sanctuaries stretching about 100 km, from Shatnol of Chandpur to Char Alexander of Ramgati in Laxmipur district.
Talking to BSS, fisherman Tofail Ahmed and boatman Kalam expressed their commitment to following the government directives and refraining from fishing during the ban. They requested the administration ensure smooth rice distribution among fishermen during this period.