The Bangladesh Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, Mohammad Aminur Rashid, has called for collective action to stop the killing of jatka (young hilsa fish) and enforce existing preservation laws. Speaking at the inauguration of Jatka Preservation Week-2026 at Molhead in Chandpur Sadar Upazila on Tuesday, Rashid urged fishermen and consumers alike to take part in protecting the national resource of hilsa, which is vital for the country’s heritage.
Rashid highlighted that hilsa, Bangladesh’s national fish, is a symbol of pride. In 1978-1981, Martyr President Ziaur Rahman recognised hilsa as an important foreign currency earner. In 2003-04, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia implemented effective steps to boost hilsa production. While the country once produced nearly 20 lakh tonnes of hilsa, production has now dropped to about 2 lakh tonnes. However, with the current focus on jatka preservation, production is gradually increasing. Rashid noted that if the killing of jatka is fully halted, Bangladesh’s hilsa production could reach 20 lakh tonnes again.
He added that Chandpur is a key hub for hilsa production, contributing nearly 80% of the total national output. However, the fish’s numbers have declined, mainly due to the killing of jatka. He stressed that catching a hilsa filled with eggs means destroying future fish stocks, making awareness crucial for hilsa preservation.
Rashid also noted that the government is providing various forms of humanitarian aid, including rice, oil, and other supplies, valued at approximately 6,500 Taka, to support fishermen. Despite this, he emphasised that responsible fishing practices are essential for the long-term preservation of hilsa.
Addressing the fishermen, Rashid said, “If you refrain from fishing for at least two months, the smaller hilsa will grow bigger, leading to higher profits in the future.” He further remarked that hilsa has become a globally recognised brand for Bangladesh. “Hilsa means Bangladesh,” he said, urging everyone to work together to maintain the reputation of the fish. He expressed confidence that enhancing the management of Chandpur’s river islands would further improve hilsa production.
The event was chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Md Delwar Hossain, with special guests including Member of Parliament for Chandpur-3 (Sadar-Haimchar), Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik, Additional Secretary of the Ministry, Syeda Nowara Jahan, Director General of the Department of Fisheries, Md Zia Haider Chowdhury, Director General of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Anuradha Bhadra, District Commissioner Ahmed Ziaur Rahman, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Robiul Hasan, and District Council Administrator Advocate A K M Salim Ullah Selim. Representatives from the Navy, Coast Guard, River Police, local fishermen, and other stakeholders were also present.
The Jatka Preservation Week-2026, organised by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, is being observed across 20 hilsa-rich districts in Bangladesh. Alongside the central programme, various awareness activities are being conducted at the district and upazila levels. The theme for this year’s event is “If we stop catching jatka, the seas and rivers will be full of hilsa.”
