The government has imposed a two-month ban on fishing at five sanctuaries in six districts starting from March 1 to boost ilish resources in the country.
Under this ban, netting fish is restricted in Barisal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Chandpur, Lakshmipur and Shariatpur districts.
All types of fishing, including ilish, will be restricted in the rivers associated with these sanctuaries.
Deputy Director of Barisal Divisional Fisheries Office Anisur Rahman Talukder said the five sanctuaries included in this fishing ban are 90km from Char Ilisha to Char Pial of Bhola district, 100km from Veduria of Bhola to Char Rustam of Patuakhali, 82km long different rivers of Barisal, Hijla, Mehendiganj under Barisal district, 100km from Shatnol of Chandpur to Lakshmipur district, 40km from Naria to Vedarganj of Shariatpur district.
To make the fishing ban successful 2,30,187 registered fishermen of Barisal division will be given rice at the rate of 40kg per month for four months from February to May. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has allocated this rice under VGF program.
Besides, the violators will be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a minimum one year to a maximum of two years or a fine of up to Tk5,000 or both, fishing directorate sources added.
Shahalam Majhi, fisherman of Barisal Sadar upazila, said that they have to pass their livelihood with difficulty during the fishing-ban period. They called for increasing the allotment of rice to 100kg per family per month during the ban period.