The ban on hilsa fishing will begin this Saturday. To increase hilsa production, fishing in the Padma and Meghna rivers will remain suspended from October 4 to October 25.
The ban will take effect after midnight tomorrow, Friday (October 3). A 70-kilometer stretch of the Padma–Meghna will be declared a sanctuary during this period. Catching, transporting, marketing, and storing hilsa will be strictly prohibited.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock announced this information on Thursday (October 2).
To enforce the government’s drive, district and upazila task forces have already completed all necessary preparations. Awareness campaigns are being conducted in coastal areas under the leadership of the district administration.
According to the ministry, the “Mother Hilsa Conservation Drive 2025” will last for 22 days, covering the four days before the Ashwini full moon and the three days after the new moon. Alongside fisheries officials, the Naval Police, Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, and other law enforcement agencies will take part in the operation.
During this period, 620,000 fishing families in 165 upazilas across 37 districts will receive assistance under the government’s VGF (Vulnerable Group Feeding) program. Each family will be given 25 kilograms of rice, amounting to a total of 15,503 tons.
Earlier, on September 30, Fisheries and Livestock Ministry Advisor Farida Akhter stated at a press conference that the decision was based on scientific research to conserve mother hilsa during the breeding season. The timeframe was set in consultation with fishermen and relevant agencies.
Last year’s ban allowed 52.5 percent of mother hilsa to spawn safely. This resulted in around 440 billion juvenile hilsa (jatka), which is expected to boost future hilsa production.
Fish sellers have reported that hilsa prices this year are higher than ever before. Medium-sized hilsa (900–1100 grams) is being sold at Tk 2,200 to Tk 2,500 per kilogram.