A 22-day government-imposed ban on catching Hilsa in the Padma and Meghna rivers of Chandpur began today. The restriction, which started at midnight on Friday, will continue until October 25. The government has declared a 70-kilometer stretch of the Padma-Meghna as a sanctuary for Hilsa conservation.
To ensure proper enforcement, district and upazila task forces have already taken extensive preparations. Awareness campaigns are being carried out along the coastal areas under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner.
According to official sources, around 43,000 registered fishermen in the district are directly involved in fishing activities, including Hilsa catching. During this ban period, each registered fisherman will receive 40 kilograms of food assistance. The relief packages are expected to reach them within the next week.
During this time of year, Hilsa migrate from the sea to freshwater rivers to breed. To protect the breeding fish, the task force will conduct day and night operations in the 70-kilometer sanctuary area stretching from Shatnol in Matlab North upazila to Char Bhairabi in Haimchar upazila.
For these 22 days, fishing, transportation, marketing, and storage of all kinds of fish will remain prohibited within the sanctuary. Anyone found violating the ban will face legal action under the Fisheries Act, which stipulates a maximum of two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to Tk 5,000, or both.
