Four fishing boats carrying seven tons of Hilsa fish were seized in Sitakunda, Chattogram, for violating the fishing ban. A fine of Tk 3.80 lakh was imposed in connection with the incident. The seized Hilsa was subsequently distributed among 25 orphanages in the upazila.
The Upazila Fisheries Department conducted the operation at sea around 2:00 AM on Sunday (October 12). The Bangladesh Coast Guard assisted in the operation, which was led by Upazila Fisheries Officer Motasim Billah. According to the Fisheries Department, a government ban on the catching, buying, selling, transporting, and storing of Hilsa is in effect for 22 days, from October 8 to October 29, 2026. This ban was imposed to ensure the undisturbed breeding of mother Hilsa.
Upazila Fisheries Officer Motasim Billah stated that such operations to protect mother Hilsa would continue. Illegal fishing at sea will not be permitted during the ban period. The Fisheries Department and the Coast Guard are maintaining a strict stance on implementing the government's decision.
Bangladesh Coast Guard Contingent Commander Iqbal PO and his team participated in the operation. Also present were Assistant Fisheries Officer (PRL) Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Field Assistant Md. Rashed Ahmed, and other staff members from the fisheries office.
