News Flash
COX'S BAZAR, Feb 14, 2025 (BSS) - The government has lifted the fishing ban on the Naf River, an international river bordering the southeastern part of Bangladesh and the northwestern part of Myanmar, after eight years.
The restriction, imposed in 2018 to curb drug trafficking and Rohingya infiltration, has now been withdrawn, allowing fishing activities to resume.
The approval came following an order signed by Assistant Commissioner M. Quamrul Islam of the Cox's Bazar District Administration Office on Thursday.
Fishing is permitted only within Bangladesh's waters, from Shah Porir Dwip to Teknaf Jetty, between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Initially, permission has been granted for three months. Relevant authorities, including the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Coast Guard, have been informed of the decision.
Fishermen must present their tokens or identity cards at five designated BGB checkpoints before heading out and cooperate with inspections upon return. Avoiding checkpoints is strictly prohibited.
Additionally, fishermen have been instructed not to cross Bangladesh's maritime boundary while fishing.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin said, "The permission is completely temporary, and renewal will be considered after reviewing the border situation after three months."
"Fishermen are happy to receive the permission," said Aman Ullah, president of the Teknaf Matshyajibi Samity.
Fishing in the Naf River remained banned for eight years after the ousted Awami League government imposed an embargo in 2018 to curb yaba smuggling through the river channel.
