Published : 15 Sep 2026, 10:46 PM
Updated : 16 Sep 2026, 11:50 AM
The government has slapped a 22-day nationwide ban on catching hilsa to ensure the safe breeding of the fish during its peak spawning season.
Fishing, transport, storage, marketing, sale, and exchange of hilsa will remain strictly prohibited from Oct 8 to Oct 29, fisheries ministry said on Tuesday following a meeting of the National Task Force Committee on Hilsa Resource Development.
The government will provide Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) food assistance to fishermen who refrain from fishing.
Fisheries Minister Md Aminur Rashid, who presided over the meeting, called for stronger surveillance and drives in major breeding grounds including Barishal, Chandpur and Bhola.
He directed the district administrations, River Police, Bangladesh Coast Guard and fisheries authorities to work together to enforce the ban, with extra boats and logistical support for hotspots if needed.
The minister also called for tighter monitoring at ice plants, wholesale markets and kitchen markets to prevent illegally caught fish from entering the market, along with tougher drives to remove illegal nets from breeding grounds including the Chandpur confluence.
No leeway would be given during the ban, Rashid said, adding that coordinated action would boost hilsa production next season.
State Minister for Fisheries Sultan Salauddin Tuku said research is needed to identify why output kept falling.
He called for tougher action against banned nets and urged fishermen's representatives to discourage their purchase.
“The government is providing incentives to help fishermen stay away from fishing during the ban, while monitoring will ensure the support reaches those who qualify,” he added.
Tuku said falling hilsa production had forced Bangladesh to import fish, calling for a coordinated plan to protect the fish as a national resource and a geographical indication (GI) product while raising output.
