DHAKA, March 31 (V7N) — Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid told Parliament today that the government will establish fish sanctuaries in rivers, beels and canals nationwide to protect natural breeding grounds and restore fish resources.

Replying to a supplementary question from ruling party lawmaker Anisur Rahman (Madaripur‑3) during the question‑answer session, the minister said the initiative aims to revive the traditional abundance of fish in Bangladesh’s water bodies.

He noted that the government has already taken steps to protect fish during breeding seasons and will expand conservation measures in freshwater bodies, including haors, beels and canals, by declaring designated areas as sanctuaries where fishing will be prohibited during spawning periods.

The minister highlighted the existing ban on hilsa fishing during egg‑laying seasons, usually for about two months, to ensure proper reproduction. During this time, hilsa fishermen are provided with free rice to offset financial hardship. He added that similar restrictions will be extended to certain river and marine zones where fish breed in shallow waters.

Responding to queries about freshwater wetlands, Amin Ur Rashid confirmed that seasonal bans will also be imposed in haors and wetlands to protect indigenous species. He pointed out that fish such as shing, taki and boal are now rarely found due to destruction of natural breeding grounds.

“To address this, the government is taking initiatives to create protected sanctuaries in wetlands and water channels so that fish can take shelter, lay eggs and multiply naturally,” he said, expressing hope that the measures will help restore the country’s traditional fish wealth and ensure rivers, beels and ponds are once again filled with fish.

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