A nationwide restriction on catching Jatka (young hilsa) has come into effect from Saturday, aiming to enhance hilsa production and ensure long-term conservation of the national fish.
The ban will remain effective until 30 June, 2026, said a press release of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.
The ministry said that all activities related to catching, transporting, marketing, buying, selling, and storing hilsa smaller than 25 centimetres have been strictly prohibited during this period.
The Department of Fisheries, under the ministry’s oversight, will implement the restriction.
Previously, the “Hilsa Conservation Campaign 2025” ran from 4 to 25 October to safeguard brood hilsa during peak breeding. The eggs laid during that period have since hatched, and the fry are now migrating through coastal rivers and estuaries.
Officials said if jatka are allowed to mature safely, hilsa production in Bangladesh will increase significantly in the coming years.
As per the Fish Conservation and Protection (Amended) Ordinance, 2025, and the Fish Conservation and Protection Rules, 1985, any violation of this restriction is punishable by up to two years of rigorous imprisonment, a fine of up to Tk 5 lakh, or both.
The Department of Fisheries, along with district and upazila administrations, the Bangladesh Navy, Coast Guard, River Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and other law enforcement agencies, will conduct strict monitoring and enforcement operations across the country.
