Eight-month jatka fishing ban begins at midnight

An eight-month nationwide ban on catching, transporting, selling and storing jatka (juvenile hilsa measuring less than 25 centimetres) takes effect at midnight on Saturday to protect young fish and sustain the country's hilsa production.

The ban will remain in force until June 30, 2027, covering rivers and coastal waters. It also prohibits the buying, selling and marketing of jatka during the restriction period.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock on Saturday (October 31), the restriction aims to ensure the safe growth of juvenile hilsa, which remain in coastal rivers and estuaries for five to eight months after hatching.

The government earlier conducted the 2026 Mother Hilsa Conservation Campaign from October 8 to 29 to protect breeding hilsa during the peak spawning season.

Under the Fish Protection and Conservation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 and the Fish Protection and Conservation Rules, 1985, anyone violating the ban may face up to two years of rigorous imprisonment, a fine of up to Tk 5 lakh, or both.

The Department of Fisheries will enforce the restriction nationwide in coordination with district and upazila administrations, the Navy, Coast Guard, river police, Special Response Battalion (SRB) and other law enforcement agencies.

-AH