Dhaka, Oct 03 (V7N) – The government’s annual mother hilsa conservation campaign begins at midnight tonight (October 3), imposing a complete ban on fishing in rivers and coastal waters until October 25 to ensure safe breeding of the national fish.

For 22 days, all types of fishing, including hilsa, will remain strictly prohibited. To enforce the ban, teams comprising fisheries officials, law enforcement agencies, naval police, coast guard, and navy will be deployed across the country’s rivers and coastal areas.

As part of the government’s VGF support program, each fishing family will receive 25 kg of rice during the ban period. However, fishermen have demanded that authorities prepare an accurate list to ensure fair distribution.

Awareness campaigns, including leaflet distribution and loudspeaker announcements, are already underway in fishing villages and sanctuary areas of Chandpur, Lakshmipur, Bhola, and Barguna.

Authorities have warned that violators of the ban will face up to two years in jail, a fine of Tk 5,000, or both.

The Fisheries Department noted that during the breeding season, hilsa migrate from the sea into rivers such as the Padma and Meghna. Protecting mother hilsa during this period is crucial to boosting future stocks. Officials expressed hope that if the campaign is successful, the country’s rivers will once again teem with abundant hilsa.

END/SMA/AJ