Photo : BSS

By Al-Amin Shahriar

BHOLA, Oct 25, 2025 (BSS) - After a 22-day ban imposed by the government on Hilsa fishing, Bhola’s river ghats  is expected to be busy as nearly three lakh fishermen prepare to head out to the rivers from midnight tonight (October 25).

With the lifting of the restriction, fishing communities across the district are abuzz with anticipation and activities.
 
Fishermen have been seen repairing nets, trawlers, and boats, and in many areas, new fishing gear has been purchased or built. The Meghna, Tetulia, Kalabadar, Betua, Buragouranga, and Ilisha rivers are expected to see a massive turnout as the ban officially ends tonight. 
 
During a visit to Bholar Khal in Shibpur Union of Bhola Sadar Upazila this afternoon, fishermen were seen making final preparations. Some were mending old nets, while others were installing new engines and gear in their boats.

Many have taken loans to buy equipment, hoping to make a strong comeback once fishing resumes.
“We’ll go to the river after midnight,” said Haris Majhi, a fisherman from the area. “We’ve repaired our trawlers and nets with borrowed money. If the catch is good, we’ll finally be able to repay our debts.”
 
In Tulatuli village, fishermen shared similar hopes and struggles. “During the ban, we received only 25 kilograms of rice each,” said Bashir Majhi. 

“We had to buy everything else on credit. It’s been very difficult to survive without income. Now, if we can catch enough Hilsa, we can recover.”
 
However, some fishermen expressed fears that if the catch is poor, they may face another year of hardship and mounting debt.
 
Bhola District Fisheries Officer Md. Iqbal Hossain told BSS that authorities expect a strong Hilsa harvest following the ban.
 
“The purpose of the 22-day restriction is to  create smooth environment for the mother Hilsa to breed safely. We believe the fishermen will now be able to catch an adequate amount and recover from their financial strain,” he said.
 
He added that during the ban period, around 200 fishermen were arrested for violating restrictions, and a large quantity of illegal nets and Hilsa was seized from the Meghna and Tetulia rivers across seven upazilas. More than 100 offenders have been jailed and fined.
 
Bhola, considered the country’s main Hilsa breeding zone, remained under a total fishing ban in the Meghna, Tetulia, Kalabadar, Ilisha, and adjacent tributaries from October 4 until midnight on October 25. The district has about three lakh fishermen, of whom 1.7 lakh are officially registered.
 
Fishermen are optimistic that this year’s strict enforcement during the breeding season will yield a bumper Hilsa catch. As the clock ticks toward midnight, Bhola’s riverbanks are once again alive with hope, determination, and the sound of boats being readied to set sail.