File photo.

RANGAMATI, Aug 10, 2026 (BSS) - Fishing in Kaptai Lake here will resume from midnight today (Monday), Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi confirmed to BSS.

According to a directive signed by the deputy commissioner at 10.30 am today, the fishing ban in Kaptai Lake has been withdrawn in line with the decision taken at a meeting of the committee on lifting the fishing ban held on July 27.

The lake will be reopened for fishing, marketing and transportation of fish from 6.00 am tomorrow (Tuesday), subject to seven conditions set by the district administration in the public interest.

However, the district administration has reserved the authority to cancel or withdraw the order at any time if required for any state or government purpose.

Under the directive, fishing will begin in Kaptai Lake from 12.00 midnight today, while the supply and transportation of fish will be allowed from 6.00 am tomorrow.

The ban on fishing, marketing and transportation of all types of fish was imposed on April 20 to facilitate the natural breeding of carp species, reproduction and balanced growth of fish fry.

According to sources at the Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC), fishermen will be able to resume fishing in the lake after a 105-day ban. Following the announcement, activities have increased at various landing stations and BFDC fish landing centres across the district.

Rangamati Fish Traders Association leader Md Abdur Shukkur told BSS that fishermen would start casting their nets in Kaptai Lake from midnight.

“We, the fish traders and fishermen, are very happy. We have completed all preparations for fishing and related activities. We hope to catch a good quantity of fish from Kaptai Lake this year and that the government will also earn the expected revenue,” he said.

Meanwhile, fishermen have been busy making final preparations, including repairing fishing nets, preparing boats, collecting fuel and stocking ice ahead of the resumption of fishing.

After the 105-day ban, the return of fishermen to Kaptai Lake with their boats and nets is expected to restore fishing activities as well as related trade and commerce to normalcy.