Ban on Hilsa Fishing in Bangladesh for Two Months

Dhaka: Bangladesh’s interim government has imposed a ban on the fishing of Hilsa (Ilish) fish. Hilsa is Bangladesh’s national fish and holds special significance in West Bengal, India. The government has announced a two-month ban on its capture in the Padma-Meghna rivers in Chandpur. This ban will be effective from midnight on Saturday until April 30. The restricted area includes a 70-kilometer sanctuary from Shatnal in Matlab Uttar to Char Bhairavi in Haimchar Upazila.

According to the Dhaka Tribune newspaper, around 44,000 registered fishermen in Chandpur district will be affected by this decision. These fishermen will not be able to catch not only Hilsa but also other species of fish in the restricted area. The interim government hopes that this will help in the conservation of Hilsa fry (Jatka) and boost production. District Fisheries Officer Md. Golam Mehdi Hasan stated that local task forces in Chandpur and Haimchar will monitor the restricted areas. The government has allocated rice as food assistance for the fishermen, with each fisherman receiving 40 kilograms of rice for four months.

As per the newspaper report, fishermen in areas like Anand Bazar, Lalpur, Soframali, Kanudi, Bishnupur, and Tilabari have docked their boats along the riverbanks and stored away their fishing nets. Former scientist of the Chandpur Fisheries Research Center and Irish researcher Dr. Anisur Rahman stated that pollution and excessive sand extraction are reducing fish populations in the Meghna-Padma rivers. He praised the government’s decision.

Hilsa fish holds a unique place in West Bengal’s culture. No auspicious event, such as weddings, takes place without it. Its significance increases even more during Durga Puja. In fact, in Bengal, no auspicious event is considered complete without Hilsa. Known as the “King of Fish” (Macher Raja), Hilsa thrives in both rivers and estuaries, giving it a distinct taste of both fresh and seawater.

Bangladesh produces nearly 70% of the world’s Hilsa. The most famous variety is the Padma Ilish (Tenualosa ilisha). Hilsa is widely found from the Bay of Bengal to the rivers across Bangladesh. A kilogram of Hilsa can be sold for ₹2,000 or even more.