A 22-day nationwide ban on catching, selling, and transporting hilsa during its peak breeding season came into effect on 8 October and will run until 29 October, prompting local authorities to prepare strict surveillance along the Padma River in Shibchar upazila of Madaripur district.
According to the Upazila Fisheries Office, 24-hour drives will be conducted across various sections of the Padma River to prevent dishonest fishermen from catching hilsa.
The administration announced that it will enforce even stricter measures this year to halt both the catching and selling of hilsa.
Continuous joint operations will be maintained by members of the upazila administration, fisheries office, police, and other law enforcement agencies.
During previous ban seasons, dishonest fishermen in various char areas of Shibchar went out to catch fish and sold their catch directly on the banks of the Padma.
Morning and afternoon temporary markets were set up at four to five points along the Padma banks in Shibchar, drawing general buyers from distant places.
Local fish vendors from various parts of the upazila also purchased hilsa from these bankside spots to resell them in their local neighbourhood markets.
To counter these illegal activities, the Upazila Fisheries Office organised an awareness meeting with fishermen in the Kazir Sura area along the Padma bank last October.
During the meeting, the administration advised measures to prevent the intrusion of outside fishermen, keep seasonal fishermen under surveillance, and motivate local residents to stop buying and selling hilsa. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) local leaders and activists assured the administration of their cooperation.
Shibchar Upazila Fisheries Officer Satyajit Majumder reiterated that all fishing, selling, and transportation of hilsa will remain completely suspended for the 22-day period.
“We have held multiple meetings with the fishermen of Shibchar to raise awareness,” Satyajit said.
“Besides, district and upazila fisheries offices, along with the administration, will strictly conduct drives on the Padma. Monitoring will also be maintained across upazila markets and residential areas.”
