Barguna, Nov 03 (V7N) — After a 22-day government-imposed ban on hilsa fishing to protect juvenile and mother hilsa, the fishermen of Patharghata, Barguna, are preparing to resume fishing at midnight tonight. In Patharghata’s coastal fishing village, the air is filled with anticipation and activity as fishermen make their final preparations.

The village is bustling as fishermen and their families work tirelessly: some pull nets onto trawlers, others load daily supplies or refuel their boats, while a few complete last-minute maintenance tasks, ensuring the trawlers are sea-ready. Each face shows hope for a successful catch, especially of prized hilsa.

The fishing ban, which ran from October 13 to November 3, was enforced to protect hilsa during its breeding season. During this period, the government provided 25 kg of rice under the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) program to support each fisherman affected by the restriction. Despite the support, some fishermen have voiced concerns over foreign fishing activity, alleging that Indian fishermen exploited the ban to capture fish in Bangladeshi waters.

Patharghata Upazila Fisheries Officer Hasibul Haque stated that the ban was largely respected by local fishermen, and they received assistance as per government allocation. However, he acknowledged complaints that the aid provided was insufficient to meet their needs, adding, “I have sent a letter to higher authorities requesting an increase in allocation.”

As the clock ticks toward midnight, Patharghata’s fishermen, with nets loaded and trawlers ready, eagerly anticipate a fruitful season on the water.

END/MR/AJ