File photo

BHOLA, Oct 3, 2025 (BSS) - A comprehensive 22-day fishing ban aimed at  ensuring the safe breeding and growth of Hilsa fish will begin tomorrow in  the Bhola region which will remain effective until midnight on October 25.

The ban, which is being enforced by the Fisheries Department, covers a  crucial 190-kilometer fisheries sanctuary spanning several major rivers.

To maintain compliance throughout the duration of the ban, four specialized  forces are involved in the surveillance efforts. These enforcement teams  include patrols conducted by the Navy, Naval Police, Coast Guard and Air  Force.

The designated fisheries sanctuary encompasses the Meghna, Tetulia, Kalabadar, Betua and Ilisha rivers. The total protected area is precisely  delineated, halting all types of fishing within these limits.

Specifically, all types of fishing are halted along 90 kilometers of the  Meghna River (from Char Ilisha to Char Pial) and 100 kilometers of the 
Tetulia River (from Bheduria to Char Rustam).

The campaign is part of the larger 'Ma Hilsa Preservation Campaign-2025',  which is scheduled for 22 days. This period is calculated to include four  days preceding the Ashwini Purnima and three days following the Amavasya.

Fisheries officials, along with law enforcement agencies, are participating in this massive operation.

Bhola District Fisheries Officer Iqbal Hossain confirmed that the restriction  is a decision handed down by the senior government authorities.

In Bhola's seven upazilas, there are approximately 1.5 lakh registered  fishermen who are fishing in the Meghna, Tetulia, Kalabadar, and Ilisha 
rivers. Additionally, an estimated 2.5 lakh individuals privately earn their livelihoods through fishing.

In recognition of the economic hardship caused by the ban, the government has allocated support. Registered fishermen in the district are entitled to  receive 25 kilograms of rice, an allocation which officials confirmed has  already been made, during the period of the prohibition.

On a national level, the government's Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF)  programme will provide assistance to 6.2 lakh fishing families across 165  upazilas in 37 districts during the campaign.