Take legal action against those breaching hilsa fishing ban

By protecting mother hilsa, the production of hilsa in Bangladesh has been steadily increasing each year. Today, hilsa has become a national asset, contributing 1% to our GDP. In the fiscal year 2023-24, 571,000 tons of hilsa were caught, generating around three billion takas in foreign currency through exports. The significant increase in hilsa production in Bangladesh is largely attributed to the ban on fishing mother hilsa during a specific period each year.

According to the government’s notification, a decision has been made to ban the catching, transportation, marketing, and storage of hilsa from October 13 to November 3 this year. This decision has been taken considering the scientifically determined breeding time to protect mother hilsa. Those who violate this ban are subject to a maximum of 2 years in prison, a fine of 5,000 takas, or both.

Last Tuesday (October 22), reports in the media revealed that despite the ban, the catching of mother hilsa is not stopping in the Meghna River and its tributaries' sanctuaries. Numerous small and large engine-driven boats are fishing for mother hilsa day and night in these areas. Fishermen have stated that BNP leaders are currently leading these activities.

Officials from the fisheries department, along with members of the administration and law enforcement, are facing regular attacks while conducting operations. In the first five days of the operations, they were attacked three times. Most recently, last Friday afternoon, while conducting an operation in the Meghna River near Ghat No. 7 of Orakal Bazaar in Hijla-Gournadi Union, the Hijla Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), an Ansar member, and three employees of the fisheries department were attacked.

Another report reveals that in Raipur, Lakshmipur, nine fishermen were arrested for fishing in the Meghna River in violation of the ban, along with 60,000 meters of current nets. Following this, a mobile court sentenced seven of them to 12 days in prison. The two minor fishermen were handed over to their guardians.

There are allegations that a few BNP leaders in Hijla Upazila are supporting the formation of an illegal network involving fishermen from Hijla, Bhola, Shariatpur, Madaripur, and Chandpur. This network auctions the hilsa they caught in several areas along the banks of the Meghna River during the evening and dawn, after which wholesalers from Shariatpur, Madaripur, Chandpur, and Mawa buy the fish and transport them using speedboats and trawlers.

We demand that whoever the offender may be, they must be brought to justice. This is a national crime, and it should not be tolerated in any way. These individuals are not poor fishermen; they are part of an illegal network. The Bangladesh government has taken necessary measures to increase hilsa production and protect fishermen.

At a meeting last Tuesday, Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhtar stated, "Hilsa is a significant asset for us. Many fishermen and their families are involved with hilsa. We are working to protect mother hilsa and safeguard the fishermen."

Therefore, while increasing hilsa production, the protection of fishermen must be prioritized; at the same time, law enforcement agencies need to remain vigilant to ensure that no illegal network can exploit the situation.