REGULATORY · MARKET STRUCTURE · BANGLADESH
Bangladesh imposes two-month fishing ban on six Chandpur rivers (incl. Padma–Meghna)
Change
Authorities imposed a two-month fishing ban on six rivers in Chandpur, including the Padma and Meghna, effective after midnight Feb 28 and running through March–April, with penalties for violations and enforcement patrols announced.
Why it matters
The Department of Fisheries and local authorities announced a two-month ban on fishing in six Chandpur rivers, including the Padma and Meghna, starting after midnight on Feb 28 and lasting through March and April, aimed at protecting hilsa juveniles (jatka). Enforcement is set to include regular patrols by the Department of Fisheries, local administration, River Police, Coast Guard, and Navy. Violations carry stated criminal penalties of 1–2 years’ imprisonment, a fine up to Tk 5,000, or both. In Motlob North Upazila, 9,100 fishers are slated to receive 160 tonnes of VGF rice in four installments during the ban period, linking the closure to a defined support mechanism.
Implications
- • River fishing in the covered areas is prohibited for March–April (effective Feb 28 midnight).
- • Enforcement intensity increases via multi-agency patrols during the ban window.
- • Non-compliance carries criminal exposure (1–2 years prison) and/or fines up to Tk 5,000.
- • VGF rice distribution creates a defined compensation channel for 9,100 listed fishers.
Who is affected
- • River fishers operating in the six Chandpur rivers (including Padma and Meghna)
- • Hilsa (jatka) supply chain participants (fish traders, processors, transporters) tied to these river catches
- • Enforcement agencies conducting patrols (River Police, Coast Guard, Navy, fisheries officials)
- • Motlob North Upazila fishers enrolled for VGF rice support (9,100 recipients)
Source
Topics
World & Politics Policy & Regulation Law & Public Safety Regulatory Actions Business & Markets Agriculture