Hilsa, known as the "king of fish," has seen a rise in value that reflects its significance in various discussions, particularly in the context of diplomacy. While Bangladesh ranks third in global fish production, it leads in Hilsa production, contributing to 75% of the world’s supply. Consequently, any troubling news regarding Hilsa demands urgent attention.
To safeguard mother Hilsa, the government has implemented a ban on catching, selling, transporting, and preserving Hilsa from October 13 to November 3. However, reports indicate that fishermen in areas like Rajbari are flouting this ban. Lax enforcement and insufficient monitoring have led to a near-festival atmosphere of mother Hilsa fishing in the Padma River, especially in Goalondo, where temporary markets have emerged for selling these fish.
It raises serious questions about how such violations can occur right under the authorities’ noses. Fishermen justify their illegal actions by claiming that Hilsa catches are minimal throughout the year, with substantial numbers only appearing during the ban. They argue that if they don't catch the fish now, they will migrate out of the Padma River to India, prompting them to continue catching egg-bearing Hilsa.
Is this reasoning acceptable? If egg-bearing fish are caught, eventually there will be no Hilsa left in the river. Buyers also claim that the price of Hilsa year-round is prohibitive, leading them to purchase it at lower, illegal prices. Many fishermen additionally argue that they have received no government support during the ban.
Compounding the issue, there are frequent complaints about irregularities in aid distribution. When non-fishermen pose as fishermen to obtain assistance, genuine fishermen may feel compelled to fish out of desperation. This situation warrants the local administration's attention.
Moreover, managing the extensive 65-kilometer stretch of the Padma River poses significant challenges for law enforcement. While operations are conducted on one side, fishermen often take advantage and fish on the other. The local police's speedboat has broken down, forcing them to use slower engine-driven boats, which gives fishermen an edge.
Fishermen's increasing aggression requires careful planning for operations. While the naval police work alongside local administration and the fisheries department, their efforts remain inadequate. To effectively protect mother Hilsa, the fisheries department must provide more personnel and vessels. Despite offering food assistance to 4,690 fishing families as an incentive, the killing of mother Hilsa persists.
To truly stop the decline of mother Hilsa, it is essential to overcome administrative limitations and bolster consistent operations. Reports suggest that while daytime operations are conducted, much of the night is unmonitored, allowing hundreds of fishermen to exploit this gap. This trend intensifies in the early morning hours. It is crucial to revoke benefits such as VGF from those violating regulations and to take legal action against them.