PATHARGHATA, BARGUNA, June 12: Thousands of fishermen from Patharghata are heading back to the Bay of Bengal as a 58-day government-imposed fishing ban ended at midnight Thursday (June 11), marking the resumption of hilsa fishing activities in the coastal region.
With the ban lifted, bustling activity has returned to the Patharghata Fish Landing Centre and surrounding ghats, where fishermen, trawler owners, labourers and traders are busy preparing for sea voyages.
Many trawlers have already set sail after completing last-minute preparations, including repairing nets, servicing engines, and stocking up on ice, fuel and food supplies.
Officials said the ban, imposed to ensure safe hilsa breeding and protect marine biodiversity, was in effect from April 15 to June 11 this year. During this period, all fishing, transport, storage and marketing of marine fish were prohibited.
The government had previously enforced a 65-day ban from May 20 to July 23 each year since 2015, but the schedule was revised this year following coordination with neighbouring countries and demands from fishermen.
Joint drives were conducted by the Coast Guard, naval police, fisheries department and local administration during the ban period to enforce restrictions, with legal action taken against violators.
However, many fishermen say financial hardship remains a major concern despite the reopening of the sea.
Fisherman Rofiqul Islam said he has been engaged in fishing for around 15 years but has not received government assistance. “Many genuine fishermen are still left out of the list while others receive benefits. The list should be updated properly,” he said.
Another fisherman, Ripon Mia, said they had to survive on loans during the ban period. “The government support was not enough. Now everything depends on the sea. If we don’t get a good catch, our debts will increase further,” he said.
Traders also expect an increase in fish supply following the end of the ban. Local trader Baburam Karmakar said higher production may help stabilise fish prices in the market, especially for hilsa and other marine species.
Patharghata Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Md Hasibul Haque said the ban was aimed at ensuring hilsa breeding and protecting marine biodiversity. “We hope fishermen will now benefit from the improved fish stock. Issues related to assistance for genuine fishermen are also being reviewed seriously,” he said.
