An eight-month nationwide ban on catching juvenile hilsa, locally known as jatka, will come into effect at midnight on Saturday to boost hilsa production and ensure sustainable conservation of the fish.
The restriction will remain in force from 1 November until 30 June 2027, prohibiting the catching, transporting, marketing, buying, selling and storing of hilsa measuring less than 25 centimetres in length.
The Department of Fisheries will enforce the ban under the supervision of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.
Anyone violating the restriction could face up to two years of rigorous imprisonment, a fine of up to Tk5 lakh, or both, under the Protection and Conservation of Fish (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, and the Protection and Conservation of Fish Rules, 1985.
The ban follows the 22-day Mother Hilsa Conservation Campaign 2026, conducted from 8 to 29 October to protect breeding hilsa during the peak spawning season.
During this period, mature hilsa laid eggs that have begun hatching into fry. The young fish spend the following five to eight months in coastal rivers and estuaries, where protection from fishing is essential for their survival and growth.
Fisheries officials believe allowing juvenile hilsa to mature safely will help increase the country’s future hilsa production.
The restriction applies specifically to jatka, while catching larger hilsa and other fish is not prohibited under the eight-month conservation measure.
The Department of Fisheries will conduct enforcement drives across rivers, coastal waters and other fishing areas in coordination with district and upazila administrations, the Bangladesh Navy, Coast Guard, River Police, Rapid Action Battalion and local law enforcement agencies.
The authorities will monitor compliance and take legal action against those violating the ban.
