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The Bangladesh Coast Guard has intensified operations across rivers and coastal areas in the southern region to protect mother hilsa during the ongoing fishing ban aimed at ensuring their safe spawning.
During the operations, the Coast Guard seized illegal fishing nets valued at Tk 150.47 crore and hilsa fish worth nearly Tk 7 lakh. A mobile court also sentenced 22 people to different terms of imprisonment for violating the fishing ban.
Lieutenant Commander Jamilur Rahman, staff officer (operations) of the Coast Guard’s South Zone, disclosed the information at a press briefing in the Volar Khal area on Sunday morning, October 18.
According to Coast Guard sources, a 22-day nationwide ban on catching, transporting, storing, marketing and selling hilsa is in effect from October 8 to October 29 to ensure uninterrupted breeding.
To enforce the restrictions, the Coast Guard is conducting regular patrols, special operations and intelligence-led surveillance across rivers and coastal areas under its South Zone.
Alongside enforcement activities, the force is conducting public awareness campaigns to encourage fishermen to comply with government directives. These initiatives include public announcements through loudspeakers, leaflet distribution and discussions with local communities.
The operations are being conducted in coordination with the district administration, the Department of Fisheries and other law enforcement agencies.
Coast Guard officials said strict surveillance would continue throughout the ban period to prevent illegal fishing and protect mother hilsa during their breeding season.
The Coast Guard has urged fishermen and other stakeholders to comply with the restrictions to safeguard mother hilsa and contribute to increasing the country’s overall hilsa production.
Members of the public can report irregularities or violations by calling the Coast Guard’s emergency helpline at 16111.
FP/MIB
