Rajshahi, Oct 29 (V7N) – Despite the 22-day ban on catching, selling, and transporting hilsa, which took effect on October 13, illegal hilsa fishing activities are reportedly rampant in various regions of Rajshahi, including Godagari and Charghat upazilas. Fishermen are fishing in the Padma River day and night using illegal current nets, flouting the prohibition intended to protect mother and juvenile hilsa during peak breeding season.

Local reports indicate that, while fishermen initially refrained from fishing, they resumed after a few days, now working under the cover of night and avoiding market sales by directly selling hilsa in their communities. Buyers pre-arranged by the fishermen collect the fish as soon as they leave the river, with some fishermen even delivering the fish directly to their customers' homes. Many fishermen are also storing hilsa in home refrigerators, planning to sell the fish at higher prices once the ban is lifted. Hilsa weighing over one kilogram is expected to fetch between Tk 1,200 to Tk 2,000 per kg, while smaller hilsa and juvenile jatka are currently selling at rates between Tk 400 to Tk 800 per kg.

An anonymous fisherman from Godagari upazila disclosed that while bans are announced annually, enforcement is frequently lax. "The naval police and fisheries officers are often notified in advance of patrols, allowing us to avoid them," he claimed, suggesting a potential compromise within law enforcement operations.

In response to these accusations, OC Touhid, in charge of the Godagari Naval Police, asserted that regular patrols are conducted from morning till evening in collaboration with fisheries officials and the local police station. He admitted, however, that night patrols are challenging due to manpower limitations. Godagari Upazila Senior Inspector Aheduzzaman also confirmed the difficulties in enforcing the ban, citing resource shortages as a reason for limited nighttime patrols, though he stated that efforts are made daily to confiscate illegal fishing equipment.

Further reports indicate that the situation is similar in Charghat upazila, where allegations of smuggling hilsa across the Indian border have surfaced. Additionally, hilsa fish caught in the Padma River near Rajshahi metropolis are reportedly being sold discreetly within the city.

The ongoing violations of the ban, which aims to protect hilsa stocks and ensure sustainable fishing practices, highlight the need for stronger enforcement and more comprehensive patrols, particularly at night.

END/RA/AJ