Photo: BSS

LAKSHMIPUR, Sept 29, 2025 (BSS) - The district taskforce committee today finalized preparations for a 22-day special drive to protect mother hilsa and Jatka in the Meghna river.

The district administration and fisheries department organized the meeting at the deputy commissioner's conference room with Deputy Commissioner Rajib Kumar Sarker in the chair.

Addressing the meeting, the DC said a complete ban on catching all types of fish will remain in force in the Meghna river for 22 days to ensure safe breeding of hilsa. 

"Strict measures including imprisonment and fines will be enforced against violators. The administration will show zero tolerance in this regard," he warned.

The district and upazila administrations, river police, coastguard and fisheries department will jointly conduct the drive.

The fisheries department has imposed a 22-day ban from midnight of October 4 to October 26, covering a 100-kilometre stretch of the Meghna-from Alekjander in Ramgati to Sathnal in Chandpur. 

During this period, catching, transporting, marketing, procurement and hoarding of hilsa will remain strictly prohibited.

Both fines and jail terms will be imposed on offenders, the meeting decided.

To support affected fishermen, the government will distribute rice under the vulnerable group feeding (VGF) programme. Lakshmipur district has 52,000 fishermen, of whom 43,000 are registered.