The three-month yearly ban on fishing in the Kaptai lake takes effect from today.

Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) has issued letters informing the local administration and others concerned of the matter.

Every year, the authorities enforce the ban for three months from May 1 to July 31, banning all kinds of netting, marketing, preserving, drying and transport of fish from the lake during the period, BFDC officials said.

As many as 19,476 fishermen, who earn their livelihood by fishing in Kaptai lake, have been brought under a VGF (vulnerable group feeding) programme. Under it, each fisherman family will get 30 kg of rice per month during the period.

“During the ban period, we will conduct drives to bring to book those who will be found fishing in the lake. A naval police team will patrol around the lake to prevent illegal fishing,” said Md Assaduzzaman, manager of BFDC, Rangamati.