Mongla, Oct 9 (V7N) – The Bangladesh Coast Guard has launched a nationwide operation in rivers and coastal zones near the Sundarbans and the Bay of Bengal to protect mother Hilsa, (Ma Hilsa) during the peak breeding season.
 
Lieutenant Commander Siyyam-ul-Haq, Coast Guard Media Officer (Dhaka), stated on Thursday afternoon that strict monitoring and regular drives are being carried out to prevent illegal fishing, safeguard the country’s fish resources, and ensure compliance with the ongoing fishing ban.
 
Under the Fish Protection and Conservation Act of 1950, the government has imposed a 22-day nationwide ban on catching, transporting, storing, marketing, and selling Hilsa from October 4 to October 25. The restriction aims to protect breeding grounds and ensure successful reproduction of the Hilsa species.
 
To effectively implement this conservation program, the Coast Guard Western Zone in Mongla has intensified patrol operations across rivers and coastal regions. Day and night surveillance, enhanced intelligence activities, and awareness campaigns—including miking, leaflet distribution, and community discussions—are underway to encourage fishermen to follow the law.
 
The Coast Guard is conducting joint drives with the district administration, the Department of Fisheries, the Navy, police, and other enforcement agencies to take legal action against lawbreakers.
 
To prevent foreign fishing trawlers from entering Bangladesh’s maritime boundaries, patrol vessels remain on high alert along the border waters. Additionally, the Coast Guard has urged citizens to contact the national emergency hotline 16111 for any coastal or maritime assistance, assuring prompt response and support.
 
Lieutenant Commander Siyyam-ul-Haq added that the Coast Guard will continue round-the-clock patrols across coastal and riverine sanctuaries to ensure full protection of mother Hilsa throughout the breeding period.
 
END/AHS/SMA/