A 22-day ban on catching all types of fish, including Ilish, in the Padma and Meghna rivers has been announced. This restriction will be in effect from midnight on Saturday, until November 3.
During the ban, fishermen will not be allowed to fish in the 100 kilometre stretch of the Meghna River, from Shatnol to Char Alexander, passing through Raipur in Lakshmipur.
Those caught fishing or selling Ilish during this period may face up to two years of rigorous imprisonment, a fine of up to Tk5,000, or both.
Meanwhile, more than 50,000 fishermen along the banks of the Padma and Meghna rivers are preparing to bring their boats and nets ashore.
Many are concerned about how they will support their families during the ban. Fishermen have called for financial support from the government, in addition to food aid.
Mustafa Bepari, a fisherman from Nayapara, located in the Charbanshi Union on the banks of the Meghna in Raipur, said: "Some fishermen don't follow the government orders. We won't be able to fish for 22 days, but no one seems to care how we will survive with our families.
He added: “The rice they give us is not enough; we need other things along with it. How will we cover those expenses?"
Fisherman Mainuddin echoed this concern, saying: "We run our households with loans and installment payments. We can’t even afford our children's education. No one seems to consider our worries, which is why many fishermen are forced to go out to the river. We don’t need the government's rice."
Mohammad Abu Kawsar Didar, a scientific officer from the Chandpur River Center, said that this year, like in previous years, favorable conditions exist for Ilish spawning.
Rajib Chandra Biswas, the Deputy Commissioner of Lakshmipur, emphasized that the Ilish fishing ban will be strictly enforced this year. He said: "Strict measures will be taken against any fishermen who enter the river during the ban."
During the ban, 993.75 tons of VGF rice will be distributed among 39,750 registered fishermen's families in Lakshmipur district.
This includes 143.75 tons for 3,750 fishermen in the district headquarters, 425 tons for 17,000 fishermen in Ramgati, 280 tons for 11,200 fishermen in Kamalnagar, and 145 tons for 5,800 fishermen in Raipur.
Although there are 54,060 registered fishermen in Lakshmipur, they are distributed across different areas: 7,729 in the district headquarters, 25,091 in Ramgati, 12,938 in Kamalnagar, and 7,698 in Raipur.