Photo: BSS

LAKSHMIPUR, April 29, 2026 (BSS) - Fishermen in Lakshmipur district are making final preparations to return to the Meghna River as a two-month government ban on all types of fishing, including Hilsa conservation, is set to end at midnight on April 30.

With the lifting of restrictions, fishing activities in the region will resume from Thursday midnight. As a result, fishing ghats across the district have become busy with fishermen repairing boats, mending nets, and completing other necessary preparations ahead of the new season.

According to the District Fisheries Office, the ban was enforced from March 1 to April 30 as part of a national initiative to conserve jatka (juvenile Hilsa) and boost Hilsa production. 

During this period, all fishing, transportation, marketing, and storage of Hilsa were prohibited in a 100-kilometre stretch of the Meghna River-from Alexander in Ramgati up to the Shatnal area in Chandpur.

To support affected fishing families during the ban, the government distributed 40 kg of Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) rice per fisherman, totaling 4,690 metric tons.

Fishermen at Motirhat Ghat and Majuchaudhurihat Ghat said they have complied with the restrictions and are now ready to return to the river after completing boat and net repairs. They described the government support as helpful during the fishing suspension period.

District Fisheries Officer Md. Delwar Hossain said the conservation campaign has been successful, saying expectations of higher fish production this year. 

He added that the district's production target has been set at 28,500 metric tons, which is 5,000 metric tons higher than last year.

Officials expressed hope that continued enforcement of fishing regulations would further improve Hilsa conservation and long-term fish production in the region.