To conserve juvenile hilsa, known locally as jatka, the government has imposed an eight-month ban on their capture, transportation, and marketing. The restriction came into effect today, November 1, and will remain in force until June 30, 2026.
According to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the ban prohibits the catching, transportation, sale, storage, and marketing of hilsa measuring less than 25 centimeters in length during this period.
The restriction is being enforced under the Fish Protection and Conservation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, and the Fish Protection and Conservation Rules, 1985. Breaking the ban may lead to a two-year prison sentence, a Tk 500,000 fine, or both.
Earlier, between October 4 and 25, the government implemented the Hilsa Conservation Campaign 2025 to protect egg-bearing mother hilsa during their prime breeding season. Officials said the fish spawn produced during that period has now dispersed across coastal rivers and estuaries.
The Department of Fisheries announced that the ban will be strictly enforced nationwide, with assistance from the district and upazila administrations, the Navy, the Coast Guard, the River Police, RAB, and local authorities.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
