The government has imposed a 22-day ban on catching, selling, transportation and hoarding of hilsa from October 7 to October 28.

“We have imposed the 22-day ban, starting from October 7, on catching, selling and transporting hilsa fish in a 7,000-km breeding ground, to ensure safe spawning of the fish during its peak breeding period,” Fisheries and Livestock Minister Narayon Chandra Chanda told a press conference at his ministry yesterday.

The decision was taken as part of “Hilsa Protection Campaign-2018”, as the objective of the restriction is to save mother hilsa which lays eggs during this period.

Chanda said authorities have announced six sanctuaries for hilsa fish for jatka conservation, to increase fish production in the country. “One to two years' jail or Tk 5,000 fine will be slapped on anyone violating the ban,” he added.

The minister said the government has implemented various coordinated programmes for increasing hilsa production. “In the fiscal year 2008-2009, hilsa production was 2.98 tonnes while it stood at 4.96 tonnes during fiscal year 2016-2017,” he added.