TDS Desk:

All types of fishing, including Hilsha  , have been banned in Chandpur’s Padma and Meghna rivers for 22 days. The ban will continue from midnight on October 12 to November 3. At this time, nationwide Hilsha   transportation, buying and selling, storage and exchange will be prohibited. At the same time, the Mother Hilsha   conservation campaign will be implemented.

Every year at this time, the Mother Hilsha   flocks from the sea to the Padma and Meghna rivers to lay eggs.

According to the relevant sources, no fisherman can enter the river during the ban in the 100 km area from Shatnol of Meghna River to Char Alexander in Lakshmipur. Catching and selling Hilsha   fish during the ban period can be punished with a maximum of two years of rigorous imprisonment or a fine of up to Tk 5,000 with both.

Meanwhile, half a million fishermen of the Padma-Meghna banks are preparing to lift the net-boats ashore. They are worried about supporting their families during the ban period. The fishermen demanded financial support as well as food support from the government.

“Some fishermen do not obey. We can’t catch fish for 22 days but no one keeps the news about how we spend days with families. Nothing happens only with the rice that they give us. Accompaniments are needed with rice. How do we compensate for that cost?” said fishermen of Harinaghat Meghna banks in Chandpur Sadar Upazila.

Chandpur River Center scientific officer Md. Abu Kauser Didar said that like last year, there is a favorable environment for egg release.

This year the ban on catching Hilsha   will be strictly observed, said Chandpur Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Mohsin Uddin, adding that strict action will be taken if any fisherman enters the river during the ban period.