Fishing resumes in Kaptai Lake

 
RANGAMATI, Aug 12: Fishing has resumed in Kaptai Lake after a three-month-and-15-day ban, bringing renewed activity to fish-landing stations, ice factories and markets in Rangamati.
Fishermen began catching fish from midnight on Monday after the authorities lifted the fishing ban. Fish started arriving at four landing stations in Rangamati from early Tuesday, while traders and workers returned to the BFDC landing ghat.
The authorities imposed the ban from midnight on April 24 to allow carp species to breed naturally and ensure the healthy growth of fish fry. The restriction was also aimed at creating a favourable environment for increasing fish resources in the country's largest artificial lake.
Following the lifting of the ban, all ice factories in the town reopened and fish markets became busy again.
Fish trader Abdul Shukkur said they were relieved to resume business after more than three months.
“However, the fish are still quite small. We are worried about whether we will be able to recover our costs. If the Dhaka and Chattogram markets remain strong, we may manage to break even; otherwise, we could face losses,” he said.
Rangamati BFDC Manager Commander Md Foyez Al Karim said a large quantity of fish arrived at the BFDC landing station on the first day.
“Although the fish are relatively small now, their size is expected to increase in the coming days,” he said, expressing hope that improved natural breeding would boost production in the lake.
Kaptai Lake is closely linked to Rangamati's economy and the livelihoods of a large number of people.