Photo: BSS

BARISHAL, Mar 1, 2026 (BSS) - Following the rest of the country, the 
Department of Fisheries has imposed a two-month ban on all types of fishing 
in Hilsa sanctuaries in Barishal.

Starting from Sunday, this prohibition on catching Hilsha and all other types 
of fish will remain in effect until next April 30 in five sanctuary areas 
across Barishal, Patuakhali, Bhola, and Chandpur.

To implement the sanctuary ban and the jatka (juvenile Hilsha) conservation 
programme, the Navy, Naval Police, Coast Guard, and the Department of 
Fisheries will conduct operations in the 82-kilometer sanctuary area 
stretching from Charamnai Junahar area in Barishal Sadar upazila to Shatnol 
in Chandpur.

This two-month fishing ban is enforced annually in these sanctuaries to allow 
jatka to mature into full-grown Hilsha.

The law stipulates penalties of up to two years in prison and financial fines 
for fishing in sanctuary areas in violation of the ban.

The Department of Fisheries stated that during the ban period, food 
assistance will be provided to 2,34,421 fishing families in 6 districts of 
the Barishal division. Among them, 44,736 registered Hilsha fishermen from 10 
upazilas in Barishal district will receive support.

Fishermen in Barishal mentioned that they become unemployed during the ban 
period, causing financial hardship. They allege that if the food assistance 
rice does not arrive on time, many fishermen are forced to go fishing in the 
rivers. Many genuine fishermen complain they have not received rice or 
fisherman identity cards. They demand that food aid and ID cards be 
distributed to actual fishermen.

The District Fisheries Officer of Barishal Dr Md Hadiuzzaman said that the 
ban will be strictly enforced to increase Hilsha production. "Strict legal 
action will be taken against anyone caught fishing for Hilsha in violation of 
the law. Special arrangements, including speedboats and launches, have been 
made for patrolling day and night, particularly in the Hijla and Mehendiganj 
upazilas."

The Assistant Director of the Divisional Fisheries Office in Barishal Md. 
Anisuzzaman said that all-out measures have been taken to ensure the safety 
of the sanctuaries in the Barishal division.