News Flash
SHARIATPUR, Sept 30, 2025 (BSS) - The district taskforce committee has finalized preparations for a 22-day special drive to protect mother hilsa and jatka in the Padma and Meghna rivers during the peak breeding season.
The decision was made at a coordination meeting held yesterday at the Deputy Commissioner's conference room, jointly organized by the district administration and the Department of Fisheries. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Tahsina Begum presided over the meeting.
Speaking at the event, the DC said a complete ban on fishing, including catching, selling, transporting, and hoarding of hilsa, will be enforced across the Meghna River for 22 days to ensure safe breeding of mother hilsa.
"Strict legal measures, including imprisonment and fines, will be taken against violators. The administration will maintain zero tolerance in this regard," she said.
The hilsa breeding ban will remain in effect from October 4 to October 25, covering key breeding zones in Jajira, Naria, Bhedarganj, and Gosairhat upazilas of the district.
As part of the government's support programme during the ban, each of the 21,000 registered fishing families will receive 25 kilograms of VGF rice, the meeting was informed.
District Fisheries Officer Bishwajit Deb moderated the meeting, while Superintendent of Police Nazrul Islam, PPM, and Additional Deputy Commissioner Masudul Alam also addressed the gathering.
Representatives from the Coast Guard, Naval Police, various upazila nirbahi officers, officials from different departments, and local journalists were also present.
The Department of Fisheries has imposed the 22-day nationwide ban from the midnight of October 4 to October 26, covering a 100-kilometre stretch of the Meghna River-from Alekjander in Ramgati to Sathnal in Chandpur.
During this period, catching, transporting, marketing, and storage of hilsa will remain strictly prohibited, officials added.
