To boost Hilsa production, the Fisheries Department has imposed a two-month fishing ban in the Meghna River in Lakshmipur from March to April. However, defying this government restriction, large-scale fishing continues unabated.
Markets in the district town and upazilas are openly selling juvenile Hilsa (jatka). Despite joint operations by the Coast Guard, Naval Police, and Fisheries Department, including arrests, fines, and the burning of fishing nets, illegal fishing remains rampant. On March 9, an attempt by authorities to stop fishing in the Meghna River led to an attack by fishermen, injuring three policemen and one other person. In response, the Naval Police arrested 13 fishermen, who were later sent to jail through the court.
"Lakshmipur has 38,000 registered fishermen, but only 28,000 receive food aid. Authorities have already applied for increased food support, and the list of eligible fishermen has been updated to ensure assistance reaches the right people. Meanwhile, regular joint operations by law enforcement and fisheries officials are underway, with numerous fines and arrests imposed on violators."
— Mohammad Billal Hossain, District Fisheries Officer
Along the Meghna River's rural markets, juvenile Hilsa and other fish are being sold freely. Fishermen argue that lack of government food aid, hunger, and loan repayments are forcing them to continue fishing despite the ban. At the same time, corruption in food aid distribution remains a major concern.
Fisherman Kamal Hossain claimed that while many genuine fishermen have not received official fishing cards or food aid, traders, tea shop owners, and people from other professions have wrongfully received government rice allocations meant for fishermen.
District Fisheries Officer Mohammad Billal Hossain reiterated that while Lakshmipur has 38,000 registered fishermen, food aid is allocated for only 28,000. Authorities have applied for an increase in support, and steps have been taken to ensure that only genuine fishermen receive assistance. Additionally, joint operations by the Coast Guard, Naval Police, and Fisheries Department continue, leading to multiple fines and arrests of fishermen violating the ban.
If the Hilsa fishing ban is effectively enforced, experts believe it will significantly increase fish stocks in the future, benefiting fishermen in the long run.
