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Published : 30 Apr 2026, 02:59 PM
Fishermen along the banks of the Meghna River in Chandpur are making final preparations to resume fishing as the two-month government ban on catching hilsa and other species ends at midnight on Thursday.
More than 50,000 fishermen across the district are gearing up to return to the waters after the hiatus, which was imposed to protect juvenile Hilsa, known as Jatka.
Fishing villages have hummed with activity as crews mend nets, repair boats, and stock supplies for their first trips back.
Visits to areas such as Puran Bazar Ranagoal, Dokanghar, Baharia, Harina Ghat, and Ananda Bazar on Thursday revealed a flurry of preparation.
While many expressed relief at the ban's end, they also highlighted the financial strain of the past two months.
"Following the government ban was difficult for our families," said Md Ismail Hossain, a fisherman from Ananda Bazar. "Now, we have to ready our nets and boats to get back to work."
Khorshed Alam, from the Baharia area, said he had to borrow nearly Tk 30,000 to repair his equipment during the off-season.
"If we find enough Hilsa now, I can repay the loan and support my family," he added.
Another fisherman, Faruk Gazi, noted that the government food aid provided during the ban was insufficient to cover basic household expenses.
Fisheries officials remain optimistic that the strict enforcement of the sanctuary will lead to a boost in national Hilsa production.
Mirza Omar Faruq, senior fisheries officer of Chandpur Sadar Upazila, said: "During March and April, we conducted day and night raids across the 70km sanctuary area. Approximately 200 fishermen were jailed or fined for defying the ban. This effort has protected the Jatka and will help increase the total Hilsa yield."
He added that registered fishermen received 40kg of VGF rice per month over a four-month period, and for the first time this year, additional food assistance was provided to those in high-risk Jatka zones.
