RANGAMATI, July 28 (V7N) – The ban on fishing, transportation, and marketing of fish from Kaptai Lake in Rangamati has been extended by 10 more days, with all fishing activities remaining prohibited until midnight on August 10.
The decision was taken at a meeting on Monday at the conference room of the Rangamati Deputy Commissioner’s Office regarding the permission for fish harvesting and marketing from Kaptai Lake. The meeting was chaired by Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi.
The extension means the ongoing three-month fishing ban has been prolonged by an additional 16 days this season.
The meeting was attended by senior scientific officer of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute Ishtiaq Haider, Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) Manager Commander Md Fayez Al Karim (ND, BN), District Fisheries Officer Mizanur Rahman, representatives of fishermen’s associations, and officials from relevant departments.
Officials at the meeting said the fishing ban was initially imposed from April 24 to July 31, considering the shortage of water in the lake and the breeding season of carp species.
However, the authorities decided to extend the restriction to ensure fish reproduction, the natural growth of released fingerlings, and the conservation of fisheries resources in the lake.
According to the new decision, fishing, transportation, and marketing of fish from Kaptai Lake will remain completely prohibited until midnight on August 10. After the ban ends, fish landing activities will officially resume from the morning of August 11.
BFDC Manager Commander Md Fayez Al Karim said Kaptai Lake would reopen for fishing from the night of August 10, and official fish landing operations would begin the following morning. He added that preparations, including inspections of eco-boats and other necessary equipment, were already underway.
Every year, fishing in Kaptai Lake is generally suspended from May 1 to July 31 to protect the breeding season of carp fish. During the restriction period, around 26,000 fishermen dependent on the lake receive food assistance through special Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) cards.
The annual ban is imposed to conserve fisheries resources, ensure the breeding of carp species, support the growth of released fingerlings, and maintain the ecological balance of Kaptai Lake. This year, the restriction period was extended due to water scarcity and the ongoing breeding season.
END/AMR/SMA/
