LAXMIPUR, Feb 26, 2025 (BSS) – Aimed at increasing production of the Hilsha fish and protect jatka (immature fishes) the government has imposed ban on fishing in the Meghna River from March 1 to April 30.

“Every fisherman would get 80 kilogram of rice for two months during the period of under the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme, district fisheries officer said.

The government has allocated 2,300 metric tons of rice for distribution among 43,000 registered fishermen out of total 52,000 who are dependent on fishing in the Meghan River.

Fisheries officer Billal Hossain said, fisheries department, district administration, police and Bangladesh Coast Guard will jointly conduct operation everyday to implement the ban.

The ban aims to support fair breeding, production, and conservation of marine and sustainable fisheries; he said adding that catching, hording, carrying and marketing all species of fish will remain prohibited during the period.

The two months restriction will be enforced in the fish sanctuaries stretching about 100 km are from Shatnol of Chandpur to Char Alexander of Ramgati of Laxmipur district.

Talking to BSS, fisherman Tofail Ahmed and boatman Kalam said they will follow the government directives during the period and will not catch fishes.

They requested administration to ensure smooth rice distribution among fishermen during the period.