A nationwide ban on catching Jatka (young hilsa fish) came into effect on Saturday midnight to boost hilsa production and ensure sustainable conservation of the country's national fish as Bangladesh produces over 80 percent of the world’ total hilsa, according to the officials.
"So, catching, transporting, marketing, buying, selling, and storing of hilsa fish smaller than 25 centimetres (Jatka) have been strictly prohibited during this period, according to an official release issued today by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.
The eight-month long fishing ban restriction will continue till June 2027, said the release.
Earlier, the government enforced 22-day hilsa fishing ban from October 8 to 29 during the major breeding season of the national fishes for protecting the mother hilsas.
The fry hatched from the eggs released by brood hilsa during that period are now roaming in coastal rivers and estuaries and remain in the coastal rivers at least 5 to 8 months.
Officials said that if these fry can grow safely, the country's hilsa production will increase further in future.
According to the Fish Conservation and Protection (Amended) Ordinance, 2025 and the Fish Conservation and Protection Rules, 1985, violation of this ban is punishable by up to two years of rigorous imprisonment, a fine of up to TK five lakh, or both.
The Department of Fisheries, in coordination with district and upazila administrations, the Bangladesh Navy, Coast Guard, River Police, Special Response Battalion (SRB) and other local law enforcement agencies, will strictly enforce the ban across the country.
