A boat rally was held on the Kirtankhola River today as part of the mother Hilsa conservation drive. Photo: BSS

BARISHAL, Oct 4, 2025 (BSS) – A boat rally was held on the Kirtankhola River today as part of the mother Hilsa conservation drive, which began at Friday midnight to protect Hilsa during its peak breeding season.

Organised by the Barishal district administration and Department of Fisheries, the rally saw participation of the members of RAB, Naval Police, Coast Guard and local officials.

Barishal Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Delwar Hossain was present on the occasion.

District Fisheries Officer Ripon Kanti Ghosh said 25 kg of rice will be distributed to each of the 66,524 registered fishermen under the VGF programme, with a total allocation of 1,663.1 metric tons of rice.

He said drones and 30 executive magistrates will monitor illegal fishing. 
Those who will defy the restriction will face up to two years imprisonment  or to pay TK  5 lakh as fine, he added.

The 22-day fishing ban will continue till October 25.