22-day ban on hilsa fishing begins from midnight

The government is going to impose a 22-day ban on catching, selling, and transporting all fish, including hilsa from Saturday midnight in order to ensure the safe breeding of the fish.

The ban will remain in place till 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.

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.