Rajapur: 3 fishermen arrested, boat seized

The administration has arrested three fishermen for violating the ban on fishing hilsa in Jhalakathi during the 22-day “Maa Hilsa Conservation Campaign-2025” issued by the government. The campaign was conducted in the Bishkhali River of Rajapur Upazila of Jhalakathi early on Monday.

Rajapur Upazila Fisheries Officer Gautam Mondal said that in the early hours of the morning, some fishermen ignored the ban and went to catch hilsa in the Hadua River. On receiving the information, a joint team of the Upazila administration and the Fisheries Department quickly reached the spot and launched a campaign. When a boat tried to escape during the campaign, it was chased and seized and later broken and sunk in the river.

Gautam Mondal also said, “Necessary legal action is being taken against the three arrested fishermen. The administration’s campaign to protect the mother hilsa will continue.”

The Upazila Executive Officer (UNO), field workers of the Fisheries Department and members of local law enforcement agencies were present at the time.

It is worth noting that every year, the government bans the hunting, transportation, storage and sale of hilsa throughout the country for a specific period to protect the mother hilsa during the main breeding season. This year, a complete ban on hilsa fishing has been declared in all rivers of the country for a total of 22 days from October 4 to October 25.

Fisheries officials said that regular patrols, mobile courts and public awareness activities are being conducted in the riverbank areas to keep the ban effective. They also hope that production will increase significantly in the coming season if the mother hilsa is protected.