Dhaka, Apr 07 (V7N) – The government has declared Jatka Conservation Week from April 8 to 14, aiming to boost Hilsa production by banning all forms of Hilsa catching and sale during this period.

This decision was announced by Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhtar at the Secretariat on Monday (April 7). She emphasized the importance of preserving juvenile Hilsa, or Jatka, to ensure sustainable production.

Speaking on cultural practices, the advisor said, “The bad culture of eating Hilsa with Panta rice on Pahela Boishakh should be stopped. This is not an authentic Bengali tradition.” She also shared that for the first time, Bangladesh is initiating Hilsa exports to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, targeting the expatriate community.

During Jatka Conservation Week, a strict ban has been enforced on catching, transporting, storing, buying, and selling Jatka across 20 districts, including:

  • Dhaka, Manikganj, Rajbari, Shariatpur, Madaripur, Faridpur, Munshiganj

  • Barisal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Barguna, Jhalokati

  • Chandpur, Laxmipur, Feni, Noakhali, Chittagong, Bagerhat, and Sirajganj

The official inauguration of Jatka Conservation Week 2025 will take place in Barisal on Tuesday (April 8).

In a further effort to protect marine life, the government has also amended fishing laws to impose a 58-day fishing ban in the Bay of Bengal, effective from April 15 to June 11.

To support the livelihoods of affected fishermen, the government will distribute VGF rice during the ban period.

This conservation initiative reflects Bangladesh’s ongoing commitment to sustainable fisheries management and protecting its iconic Hilsa population.

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