Barguna, Oct 3 (V7N) – A 22-day ban on the capture, transport, marketing, and storage of Hilsa fish (locally known as “ma Ilish”) has come into effect from midnight tonight to protect the species during its breeding season. The ban will remain in place until October 25 and is expected to affect hundreds of thousands of coastal fishermen.

Many fishermen and their families are concerned about their livelihoods during this period and are demanding government assistance, including 25 kilograms of rice per household and additional financial support. They have also expressed concerns that fishermen from neighboring countries may exploit the ban to catch Hilsa in Bangladesh’s waters.

This year, the Hilsa season has been particularly challenging, with many fishermen returning empty-handed despite making multiple trips to the sea. Fisheries authorities explain that the ban during the month of Ashwin is crucial as most Hilsa spawn during this time, helping to increase future production and ensure sustainable stock.

Enforcement of the ban will involve joint operations by the Department of Fisheries, the Coast Guard, the Navy, and the River Police. Violators may face up to two years of imprisonment, a fine of up to 500,000 taka, or both.

Rafique, a trawler captain, highlighted the difficulties fishermen face during the ban, noting that rough sea conditions often force them to return to shore, leading to financial losses. Dulal Mia, general secretary of the Barguna District Trawler Captain Association, said that 25 kilograms of rice alone is insufficient to support a household and requested an additional 2,000 taka per family from the government.

Patharghata Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Hasibul Haque urged fishermen to comply fully with the ban and assured that government assistance would be distributed on time to support them during the 22-day restriction.

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