Jumbangla Desk: The government has issued a 22-day ban on fishing in the country's seas and rivers to protect mother hilsa.

This ban is going to be effective from 12 midnight on Saturday. The ban will continue in seas and rivers till November 3. During this time, hunting, storing and transporting all types of fish including hilsa in the sea and river will be considered as a punishable offence.

Keeping this 22-day ban in view of the full moon of the month of Ashwin considering the scientific breeding time, mother hilsa conservation campaign will also be implemented. As there is a ban on hunting all types of fish, including hilsa, the fishermen of the coast are already going to the shore with boats and fishing equipment.

According to the law, harvesting and selling hilsa fish during prohibition can be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a maximum of two years or a fine of up to five thousand rupees with both.

Every year at this time, mother hilsa flocks from the sea to the Padma-Meghna river to lay their eggs.

During this ban, every fisherman will get 25 kg of VGF rice. At this time, the fishermen demanded to make a correct list of stocked rice and implement it quickly.

However, the district fisheries officials say that daily operations will be conducted in the river in coordination with the fisheries department, upazila-district administration, police and coast guard to implement the ban. They claimed that the production of fish is increasing due to the success of last year's campaign.

Our Chandpur representative said that for the next 22 days, no fishermen will be able to enter the river in the 100 km area from Shatanal of Meghna river in Chandpur to Char Alexander in Lakshipur district. Meanwhile, the fishermen of the Padma-Meghna banks are taking the net-boats ashore.

Rashed Uddin, President of Hatia Trawler Owners Association, said that there are at least 500 trawlers in Hatia that go to the deep sea to catch fish. More than three hundred trawlers have already returned to the port. All trawlers will be back before 12pm on Saturday.

Deputy Commissioner of Chandpur Mohammad Mohsin Uddin said, this year the ban on catching hilsa will be strictly observed. Strict action will be taken if any fisherman enters the river during the prohibition period. Not only fishermen, but if hilsa is found in the hands of any common buyer, he will also be brought under the law. Besides the District Executive Magistrate, Coast Guard, Naval Police, the Army will also be on the ground this time.

Lakshmipur District Fisheries Officer. Billal Hossain said, daily operations will be conducted in the river in coordination with the fisheries department, upazila-district administration, police and coast guard to implement the ban. Legal action will be taken against those who disobey the law and enter the river. As last year's campaign was successful, the production of hilsa increased several times. If the campaign is successful this time too, there is a possibility of producing more hilsa.