A three-month ban on fishing, transportation and marketing of fish in Kaptai Lake will come into effect from midnight tonight, aiming to ensure safe breeding, reproduction and natural growth of fish.

The decision was taken unanimously at a meeting held on April 20, organized by the Rangamati district administration, on imposing restrictions on fishing and related activities in the Kaptai lake.

According to the decision, all forms of fishing, transportation and marketing of fish from 12am tonight will remain prohibited for three months until further order.

Authorities have warned that strict legal action will be taken against violators.

Talking to BSS, Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi said that the ban has been imposed to ensure proper breeding, reproduction and growth of fish in the lake during the current season.

“The restriction will be effective from midnight today,” she said.

She added that government food assistance will be distributed among registered fishermen dependent on the lake through VGF cards during the ban period.

The district administration has also decided to carry out awareness campaigns through miking on roads and waterways to inform the public about the restrictions.

Mobile court drives will continue to prevent illegal fishing in the lake.

Commander Md. Foyez Al Karim of the Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) said fishing in the lake will be stopped from midnight tonight, while fish landing at BFDC ghats will be allowed until 4pm on April 25.

He further said that fish fry will be released into the lake starting from May 2.

Temporary checkpoints will be set up to prevent illegal fishing and transportation during the restriction period, he noted.