Photo: BSS

BHOLA, April 14, 2026 (BSS) - A 58-day government ban on all types of fishing in Bangladesh's maritime waters of the Bay of Bengal is set to begin to protect marine resources and ensure sustainable harvesting.

During the period, the government will provide food assistance to nearly 65,000 registered fishermen across seven upazilas of Bhola district.

Visits to fish landing stations and canals connected to the Meghna River show fishermen are returning to shore, with trawlers docking in increasing numbers. 

Many are securing equipment, repairing nets and maintaining engines in preparation for the post-ban season.

According to the district fisheries office, Bhola has 63,954 registered marine fishermen. 

The highest number, 17,561, are in Charfassion upazila, followed by Daulatkhan (11,550), Monpura (10,185), Lalmohan (8,804), Borhanuddin (7,650), Tajumuddin (4,506) and Sadar (3,698).

Bhola District Fisheries Officer Mohammad Iqbal Hossain said authorities have taken necessary steps to enforce the ban and are conducting awareness campaigns.

Each registered fisherman will receive 77 kilograms of VGF rice at the start of the ban of fishing.