The 65-day fishing ban in the Bay of Bengal began on Monday, aimed at ensuring smooth breeding of fish. This annual ban, imposed by the Bangladesh government since 2019, is designed to enhance fishery resources within the country’s marine boundaries.
Barguna District Fisheries Officer Muhammad Muhsin stated that during the ban, all forms of fish collection, transportation, and storage in the marine waters are prohibited.
Barisal Divisional Fisheries Officer Nripendranath Baroi noted that over 300,000 fishermen and their families from 14 coastal districts are set to receive government support this year, with each family receiving 86kg of rice during the ban period.
Local fisheries officials reported registrations of approximately 49,000 families in Patuakhali, 27,277 in Barguna, and around 200,000 in coastal Bhola district for government aid.
Golam Mostafa Chowdhury, president of the Fishermen’s Trawler Owners’ Association, highlighted that about 150,000 people in the Barguna coast rely on fishing, but only 37,000 are listed for government assistance.
Fishermen expressed concerns that the ban would strain their finances and allow Indian and Myanmar fishermen to exploit Bangladesh’s marine resources. They called for measures to prevent such infiltrations and adequate aid for those affected.
Apu Saha, senior upazila fisheries officer of Kalapara upazila in Patuakhali, mentioned that community demands would be relayed to higher authorities.
Rahman Majhi, a fisherman from Alipur fishing port in Kalapara upazila, confirmed that Indian and Myanmar fishermen often fish in Bangladesh’s waters during the ban.
The fishing ban will be in effect until July 23.
