Dhaka – Bangladesh on Wednesday began a 22-day ban on catching hilsa in the Bay of Bengal and rivers in 27 districts, according to official notification.

Selling, transportation and hoarding of the national fish will also remain suspected under the order during the hilsah breeding season, the fisheries and livestock ministry said.

The government took the decision to boost hilsha production through protection of mother fish. The fish travels to the rivers adjacent to the coast during their breeding period that last for more than three weeks.

Hilsha catch will remain suspended in the districts of Chandpur, Laxmipur, Noakhali, Feni, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Barisal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barguna, Pirojpur, Jhalakati, Bagerhat, Shariatpur, Brahmanbaria, Dhaka, Madaripur, Faridpur, Rajbari, Jamalpur, Narayanganj, Narshingdi, Manikganj, Munshiganj, Khulna, Kushtia and Rajshahi.

Earlier, Fisheries and Livestock Minister M Sayedul Haq said the fishermen must stop catching hilsa in this peak season.

He also warned of stern action against those who violates the order.

The ministry issued the circular on October 2 imposing the ban to be effective from October, 12 to November, 2.

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