Farida
Akhtar, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser, announced that to ensure the safe
breeding of hilsa during the peak season, hilsa fishing will be banned
nationwide for 22 days from October 13 to November 3. During this period, the
transport, purchase, sale, storage, and exchange of hilsa will also be
prohibited.
She
made the announcement this Sunday morning (September 22) during a meeting of a
national taskforce committee on hilsa resource development, held at the
conference room of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.
The
adviser emphasized that hilsa is a gift from nature and should be harvested
responsibly. She also stressed the importance of considering the livelihoods of
those dependent on hilsa fishing. Bangladeshi hilsa has been recognized as a
geographical indication (GI) product, and the hilsa from the Padma River has
gained worldwide recognition for being one of the most delicious fish. “We must
preserve our hilsa to ensure it remains a staple in the people's diet”, she
added.
The
adviser instructed relevant authorities to implement strict monitoring measures
to prevent hilsa from being illegally exported to other countries and ensure
that no neighboring country’s ships or trawlers enter Bangladeshi waters for
hilsa fishing. In response to a question, she stated that no actions that would
harm the nation should be taken. If hilsa prices in the market are raised
unjustly, the government will take strict action.
She
called for the launch of an awareness campaign to enforce the ban during the
breeding season and urged radio, television, print, and online media to
accelerate their efforts to raise public awareness starting today.