Fishing ban in Kaptai Lake begins tonight. Photo: BSS

RANGAMATI, April 30, 2025 (BSS) - The Rangamati district administration has imposed a three-month ban on all fishing activities in Kaptai Lake with effect from tonight.

The restriction also includes transportation, preservation, and marketing of fish from May 1 to July 31. However, dried fish can be landed until 6:00 pm on May 3.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Habib Ullah told BSS that the fish of Kaptai Lake contribute to an annual business worth hundreds of crores of taka. This not only generates revenue for the government but also benefit general fish traders and other businesses involved.

To ensure fish breeding in Kaptai Lake, he urged all fish traders involved to be sincere in refraining from fishing in the lake during the three-month ban period.

About 26,000 unemployed fishermen family dependent on Kaptai Lake will receive assistance through VGF (Vulnerable Group Feeding) during the fishing ban, the DC added.

Commander Md. Foyez Al Karim, Manager of Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) Rangamati, said, “The Coast Guard will patrol Kaptai Lake 24/7 to prevent fishing in the lake's sanctuaries during the breeding season.”

He added that BFDC monitoring teams will also be on patrol on the roads to prevent the smuggling of fish from Kaptai Lake.

However, BFDC is responsible for the production and marketing of fish in Kaptai Lake. Every year, BFDC releases 50 to 60 metric tons of carp fingerlings into the lake during the fishing ban period.