Photo: BSS

BHOLA, April 29, 2025 (BSS) - Fishermen in the district are set to resume Hilsa fishing as the two-month ban on catching, transporting and selling all species of fish is ending tomorrow. They are now working day and night to repair their nets and boats. 

Earlier, the government imposed a 58-day restriction with an aim to boost Hilsa production, leaving about 300,000 fishermen in the coastal area, including 170,243 registered individuals, temporarily jobless. 

During the time, a 190-kilometer stretch of the river in Bhola was declared as a sanctuary for conserving Jatka (juvenile Hilsa). 

"This year's campaign has been successful," said District Fisheries Officer Biswajit Kumar Deb, adding that the ban is expected to an increase in fish production in the river. 

During the ban, the government allocated 160 kg of rice for each of 89,700 extremely poor fishermen. 

Biswajit Kumar Deb said we have so far received only March supply and 89,700 fishermen have been given 80 kg of rice each. 

"As soon as April's supply arrives, we will distribute it among fishermen," he added. 

The Fisheries Department has set a target of producing 185,000 metric tons of Hilsa this year.