A nationwide 58-day ban on all types of fishing in Bangladesh’s territorial waters within the Bay of Bengal came into effect at midnight on Tuesday, April 14. The restriction, aimed at protecting marine biodiversity and ensuring sustainable fish production, will remain in force until midnight on June 11.
The Fisheries Department, in coordination with local administrations in coastal districts like Bhola, has launched extensive enforcement measures. Reports from the coast indicate widespread compliance, with thousands of fishermen returning to shore with their trawlers and equipment ahead of the midnight deadline.
Government Aid for Registered Fishermen
To offset the economic hardship caused by the two-month hiatus, the government has announced a food assistance program. Approximately 63,954 registered fishermen across seven upazilas in the Bhola district are set to benefit from the initiative.
According to official data, the distribution of affected fishermen is as follows:
- Char Fashion: 17,561
- Daulatkhan: 11,550
- Monpura: 10,185
- Lalmohan: 8,804
- Borhanuddin: 7,650
- Tajumuddin: 4,506
- Sadar Upazila: 3,698
Each registered fisherman is slated to receive 77 kilograms of Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) rice. Local fisheries officials emphasized that this support is critical to easing the financial burden on families who rely solely on the sea for their livelihood.
Community Concerns and Demands
While the ban is recognized as a necessity for long-term fish population growth, the fishing community has voiced urgent concerns regarding the logistics of the ban period.
Representatives from the Ilisha Fisheries Association in Bhola have called on the government to ensure that the promised rice aid is distributed within the first week of the ban to prevent immediate food insecurity. Furthermore, they have appealed for a temporary suspension of NGO loan repayments, as the lack of income makes it nearly impossible for many to meet their monthly installments.
A primary concern remains the intrusion of foreign vessels. Local fishermen have urged the administration to strengthen maritime patrols.
“We are complying with the law to save our fish stocks, but the authorities must ensure that foreign fishermen do not enter our waters while we are barred from fishing,” stated a representative of the local association.
Preparation at the Ghats
Currently, fishing ghats along the Meghna River and across Bhola are crowded with returned vessels. Fishermen are utilizing the downtime to repair nets, service engines, and secure their gear for the 58-day period.
District Fisheries Officer Mohammad Iqbal Hossain confirmed that awareness campaigns are ongoing to ensure the ban is respected. “Strict surveillance will lead to a more abundant harvest once the seas reopen,” he noted.
