Chief Reporter, Md. Nasir Uddin, Dhaka: A ban on catching jatka (hilsa fry) is set to begin in seas and rivers from Saturday (31 October) midnight to boost hilsa production and ensure its sustainable conservation. This 8-month ban will continue until 30 June 2027.
Under the supervision of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and implemented by the Department of Fisheries, the catching, transportation, marketing, buying, selling, and hoarding of hilsa smaller than 25 centimeters (jatka) will be completely prohibited during this period.
Earlier, the "Mother Hilsa Conservation Campaign-2026" was implemented from 8 October to 29 October 2026 to protect fertile hilsa during the peak breeding season. During this time, the hilsa fry produced from the eggs released by the mother hilsa roam the country's coastal rivers and estuaries for a specific period of their age (5-8 months). Protecting these fertilized hilsa fry and increasing production is essential during this period. If these fry can grow safely, the country's future hilsa production will increase further.
For this purpose, according to the Protection and Conservation of Fish (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, and the Protection and Conservation of Fish Rules, 1985, violating the ban is punishable by a maximum of two years of rigorous imprisonment, a fine of up to 5 lakh taka, or both.
The Department of Fisheries will strictly enforce this ban across the country with the cooperation of district and upazila administrations, the Navy, Coast Guard, River Police, Special Response Battalion (SRB), and local law enforcement agencies.