An awareness meeting was held at Moju Chowdhury Fish Market in Lakshmipur sadar upazila on Saturday, with the goal of conserving mother Hilsa during the ongoing breeding season.
The meeting was arranged by Lakshmipur Upazila Fisheries Office.
Charrarmonimohon Union Parishad Panel Chairman Nayan Begum presided over the meeting, arranged at the bank of Meghna River on Saturday evening. Senior Assistant Director of Lakshmipur District Fisheries Office Jashim Uddin attended the meeting as the chief guest.
Marine Fisheries Officer of Lakshmipur Upazila Fisheries Office, Abdur Rohim, moderated the meeting. Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Md Mahmudul Islam Chowdhury spoke as the keynote speaker. Naval Police Officer Saiful Islam and respected individuals of the area were also present at the meeting.
Fishermen, fish traders, and wholesalers attended the meeting as well. To ensure the safe breeding of mother Hilsa, the government has declared a complete ban on fishing in the rivers from October 13 to November 3, lasting for 22 days. Violators of this order will face financial penalties or, in some cases, both penalties as punishment. Under this order, fishing, hoarding, transportation, and marketing of fish have been completely prohibited in coastal areas during the ongoing breeding season, including Lakshmipur, Chandpur, Bhola and Barisal. Additionally, electricity connections to all fish landing centres and ice factories located along the riverbanks have been disconnected. Awareness campaigns, including the distribution of leaflets, are ongoing regarding this matter.
If the government's ban is successful, 26,500 metric tonness of hilsa will be produced this fiscal year. With an average market price of Tk 800 taka per kg, the total value will be of Tk 2,102 crores. This will allow the general public to enjoy hilsa throughout the year while significantly increasing government revenue. Fisheries officials are hopeful about these outcomes.
