Dhaka, February 28 : In a significant move aimed at conserving the national fish, Hilsa (Ilish), Bangladesh’s interim government has imposed a two-month fishing ban on the species. The ban, effective from midnight on Saturday until April 30, restricts fishing in designated areas of the Padma and Meghna rivers in Chandpur district.
The 70-kilometer sanctuary stretches from Shatnal in Matlab Uttar to Char Bhairavi in Haimchar upazila, covering a critical breeding and spawning ground for Hilsa. The restriction is part of the government’s conservation efforts to protect juvenile Hilsa (Jatka) and enhance production.
Ban to Affect Over 44,000 Fishermen
According to the Dhaka Tribune, the ban will impact approximately 44,000 registered fishermen in Chandpur district, who will not be allowed to fish for Hilsa or any other species within the restricted zone. In response, the government has allocated food aid, providing 40 kilograms of rice per fisherman for four months to mitigate economic hardships.
Md. Golam Mehdi Hasan, District Fisheries Officer, stated that local task forces will enforce the ban, ensuring compliance in Chandpur and Haimchar.
Fishermen Dock Boats, Support Conservation Efforts
Reports indicate that fishermen in key areas such as Anand Bazar, Lalpur, Soframali, Kanudi, Bishnupur, and Tilabari have already pulled their boats ashore and stored their nets, marking the start of the conservation period.
Dr. Anisur Rahman, former scientist at Chandpur Fisheries Research Center and Irish researcher, praised the move, citing pollution and excessive sand extraction as major threats to fish populations in the Meghna-Padma river system.
Hilsa: A Culinary and Cultural Icon in Bengal
Hilsa holds immense cultural and culinary significance in West Bengal, where it is a staple in traditional and festive meals. It is considered essential for auspicious occasions like weddings and Durga Puja. Referred to as “Macher Raja” (King of Fish), Hilsa thrives in both riverine and estuarine waters, giving it a distinctive taste that blends the essence of freshwater and seawater.
Bangladesh: The Global Leader in Hilsa Production
Bangladesh accounts for nearly 70% of the world’s Hilsa production, with the prized Padma Hilsa (Tenualosa Ilisha) being the most sought-after variety. The fish is widely found from the Bay of Bengal to inland rivers, and a single kilogram of Hilsa can fetch prices exceeding Rs 2,000 in local markets.
With this latest conservation initiative, Bangladesh aims to secure sustainable Hilsa stocks for the future while reinforcing its position as the largest global producer of the prized fish.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
