22-day ban on hilsa fishing begins tonight

A 22-day nationwide ban on catching hilsa will come into effect from midnight on October 7 to protect the fish during its peak breeding season.

The ban will remain in force until October 29. During this period, fishing, transportation, storage, marketing, buying and selling of hilsa will be prohibited across the country.

The restrictions will apply to rivers and coastal waters, with a ban on catching all types of fish in designated breeding grounds and a specific ban on hilsa fishing in other areas.

The government has ordered the district administration, fisheries authorities, River Police and Coast Guard to strengthen surveillance and conduct drives to ensure compliance.

The 22-day restriction is imposed annually to ensure the safe spawning of mother hilsa and support the sustainable production of the country’s national fish.

Registered fishermen who refrain from fishing during the ban will receive government food assistance under the Vulnerable Group Feeding programme.