A 22-day government ban on catching, selling, hoarding and transporting hilsa will come into effect from midnight (Thursday) to save mother hilsa during peak breeding season. 

The ban will continue until early November 3, marking the main breeding season of hilsa.

Cox’s Bazar District Fisheries Officer Badruzzaman said that the ban on catching, selling, and transporting all fish, including hilsa in the sea and estuary will take effect from midnight on Saturday (October 12) to November 3. 

Anyone who will violate the ban will be raided by mobile courts and fined, he added.

This 22-day annual ban has been in place for several years to protect hilsa during its critical breeding period.

To assist fishermen affected by the ban, the government will distribute 25 kg of rice under the vulnerable group feeding (VGF) program. However, fishermen are voicing concerns about financial hardships during this period, as many rely on daily income from fishing to support their families.

The ban will cover a 100km stretch of the Meghna River, from Shatanal to Char Alexander in Laxmipur, during which time no fisherman will be allowed to enter the river.

The ban will be strictly enforced by a joint task force consisting of the district and upazila administration, police, and coast guard.

BDST: 1220 HRS, OCT 12, 2024
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