Photo : BSS

BHOLA, Oct 26, 2025 (BSS) – Fishermen along the Bhola coast have started catching Hilsa in the rivers since late last night, following the end of the 22-day ban aimed at protecting the ‘mother’ Hilsa.

The fishery ghats, shops, and markets have been bustling since this morning.

During a visit to Tulatuli Ghat in Meghnapar, Bhola Sadar, the correspondent observed a lively scene of buying and selling Hilsa, with fishermen, traders, buyers, sellers, and wholesalers all actively engaged.

The fishery ghats were filled with the clamor of people involved in the Hilsa trade.

Fishermen Kabir Majhi, Salauddin, and Miraj Majhi said that the night’s catch was satisfactory. “If we continue catching Hilsa this way, we will have no problem repaying the 22-day loans,” they said.

Jamaluddin, a trader at Naoi Ghat, said that although the first day saw a fair catch, more Hilsa are expected in the coming days.

Badsha Mia, president of the Arat Malik Samiti of Purba Ilisha Fishery Ghat in Bhola, said that a large number of mother Hilsa have laid eggs in the river this season, resulting in an abundant supply in the Meghna-Tetulia and adjacent tributaries.

Abul Hashem, former president of the Arat Malik Samiti of Samraj Fisheries Landing Center in Char Fashion, the southernmost town of Bhola, said that a large number of Hilsa are being caught both in the river and in the sea.

Bhola District Fisheries Officer Md. Iqbal Hossain told BSS that the ban, which began on October 4 to boost Hilsa production, ended at midnight on October 25. The target for Hilsa production in the district this year is 192,000 metric tons.

He added that the government’s target is expected to be achieved.

It is noteworthy that, to ensure the safe reproduction and growth of Hilsa, a ban on all types of fishing was enforced in the Meghna, Tentulia, Kalabadar, Betua, and Ilisha rivers of Bhola from October 4. The ban ended at midnight on Saturday, October 25.

The Fisheries Department said that 171,000 registered fishermen are fishing in the Meghna, Kalabadar, Tentulia, and Ilisha rivers across seven upazilas of Bhola. However, about 250,000 fishermen earn their livelihood through private fishing.