58-day fishing ban begins in Bay of Bengal

A 58-day ban on all types of fishing in Bangladesh's part in the Bay of Bengal came into effect from midnight on Wednesday, April 15, and will continue until June 11.

The annual restriction aims to support marine biodiversity and ensure sustainable fish production.

Fisheries Department, along with local administrations in Bhola and nearby coastal districts, has undertaken extensive measures to enforce the ban. Authorities report that fishermen have already begun complying, returning to shore with their trawlers and nets ahead of the deadline.

To mitigate the economic impact of the ban, the government will provide food assistance to approximately 63,954 registered fishermen across seven upazilas in Bhola district.

According to official data, Char Fashion has the highest number of affected fishermen 17,561, followed by Daulatkhan 11,550, Monpura 10,185, Lalmohan 8,804, Borhanuddin 7,650, Tajumuddin 4,506, and Sadar upazila 3,698.

Each registered fisherman will receive 77 kilograms of VGF (Vulnerable Group Feeding) rice at the start of the ban period. Local fisheries officials say this initiative is intended to ease financial hardship during the no-fishing season.

However, concerns remain among the fishing community. Representatives from Bhola's Ilisha Fisheries Association have urged the government to ensure timely distribution of aid within the first week of the ban. They also called for a temporary suspension of NGO loan repayments during this period.

Meanwhile, fishermen have demanded that the administration strengthen patrols and operations at sea during the ban on fishing. They have drawn the attention of the appropriate authorities to ensure that foreign fishermen do not intrude into Bangladesh's borders during the ban.

Bhola fishermen hope that if strict surveillance is strengthened in the country's waters, there will be sufficient fishing grounds after the ban is lifted.

On the ground, fishing ghats across Bhola and along the Meghna River are witnessing a surge in returning trawlers. Many fishermen are securing equipment, repairing nets, and servicing engines as they prepare to remain ashore for nearly two months.

District Fisheries Officer Mohammad Iqbal Hossain confirmed that awareness campaigns and coordination efforts are ongoing to ensure full compliance with the ban. Authorities remain hopeful that strict enforcement will lead to a more abundant fish harvest once the restriction is lifted.