Photo:BSS

BHOLA, Mar 1, 2025 (BSS) - A two-month fishing ban has been imposed in the 190-kilometer stretch of the Meghna and Tentulia rivers in Bhola to conserve Jatka and increase Hilsa production started today. 

The ban will remain in effect until April 30. No fishermen were seen entering the rivers with boats or trawlers on the first day of the ban.

This ban, which is enforced annually in the coastal district of Bhola, prohibits all types of fishing, including Hilsa fishing, in the designated sanctuary areas. 

Violators face imprisonment from 1 to 2 years or a fine of up to 5,000 taka, or both, according to the Bhola Fisheries Department.

"The government has allocated a total of 7,168 metric tons of rice, each bag containing 80 kg, to provide for 89,600 fishermen during the ban period," said Bhola District Fisheries Officer Biswajit Kumar Deb. 

"Strict action will be taken if there is any irregularity in rice distribution. We have strengthened the monitoring system to ensure transparency and proper distribution," he added.

The fishing ban covers a 90-kilometer area from the Ilisha section of the Meghna River to Char Pial in Bhola and a 100-kilometer area from Bheduria in Bhola to Char Rustam in Patuakhali on the Tentulia River.

The District Fisheries Department has set up a monitoring task force to enforce the ban. 

Besides, awareness campaigns have been held, including miking and leaflet distribution, across the riverbank areas of each upazila.

Fishermen, however, have expressed concerns about the timing of the ban, coinciding with Ramadan. 

They fear extreme hardship if they are not provided with additional support, such as pulses, oil, sugar, and Iftar items, during the fasting and Eid periods. They have requested extra assistance from the government to mitigate their difficulties during this time