Three-month fishing ban in Kaptai Lake begins today

A three-month ban on fishing in Kaptai Lake, which is regarded as one of the country’s key breeding grounds for carp, has come into effect from today (April 24)) to ensure the conservation, breeding and ecological balance of fish resources in the lake.

The restriction will remain in force until July 31, according to a decision taken at a meeting of the lake management committee.

Authorities said the annual ban is imposed during the peak breeding season of carp species to ensure natural spawning and the sustainable growth of stocked fish.

Officials from the Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) in Rangamati said mobile courts will be deployed throughout the ban period to prevent illegal fishing. Ice plants in the lake’s surrounding areas will also remain closed during this time.

BFDC Rangamati Manager Commander Md Fayez Al Karim said that 26,845 fisher families affected by the ban will receive humanitarian assistance. Each family will be provided 40 kilograms of rice over two months, totaling 1,073 metric tonnes, with distribution starting May 2. Carp fingerlings will also be released into the lake on the same day.

Rangamati Deputy Commissioner and Kaptai Lake Management Committee Chairperson Nazma Ashrafi said fishing will remain completely prohibited during the period to protect fish breeding and the lake’s environment.

Naval police and BFDC teams will conduct regular patrols to enforce the ban. Temporary checkpoints will be set up in key areas, and mobile courts will operate to ensure compliance.

Authorities warned of strict legal action against violations.