11-day ban to boost Hilsa fish breeding

An 11-day ban on trading in Hilsa fish across Bangladesh took effect yesterday, aiming to give a boost to the production of the delicious fish.Bangladesh clamped the ban on catching, selling, manufacturing and transportation of Hilsa for 11 days, the peak time of its breeding. Fisheries and Livestock Minister Abdul Latif Biswas had announced the ban on September 29.Since the Hilsa lay eggs in plenty during this period, the government imposed a ban on catching it at four points of the coastal area to preserve the delicious fish.The restricted areas of around 7,000sq km at four points are Shayerkhali-Haithkandi point at Mirsarai in Chittagong, Uttar Tajumuddin-West Syed Awlia point in Bhola, Uttar Kutubdia-Gandamara point in Cox’s Bazar and Latachapali point at Kalapara sub-district in Patuakhali.Official sources said the law-enforcement agencies, Coast Guard and Navy personnel were deployed all over Bangladesh to make the programme a success.Mobile courts will take action against anyone violating the restriction, officials said. Offenders will be jailed for one to six months and be liable to pay a minimum fine of 1,000 taka. The punishment will be double for the second time violation of the ban, the sources said.The programme also aims to protect and conserve Jatka (Hilsa of less than 23cm) that is usually served as a fried dish.