Special Correspondent :
The Bangladesh Navy will remain vigilant to prevent any incursions by fishing trawlers from neighbouring countries during the government’s 65-day fishing ban in the country’s marine territory, which begins at midnight on Monday.
This ban, imposed by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, aims to conserve and replenish marine fish stocks and will remain in effect until July 23.
Despite the ecological intent behind the ban, local fishermen have voiced concerns about the financial strain it imposes.
They fear that the restriction will exacerbate their economic hardships and that fishermen from India and Myanmar might exploit the situation by infiltrating Bangladesh’s marine boundaries and harvesting its resources.
The fishermen have called for stringent measures to prevent such infiltrations and have requested sufficient aid to support those affected by the ban.
Zillur Rahman, Additional Director General of the Department of Fisheries, assured that the Navy, along with other concerned departments, is fully prepared to enforce the ban.
“Our Navy is very active. We shared everything with concerned departments during meetings regarding the banning of fishing in Bangladesh’s sea area,” Rahman told The New Nation on Monday.
The implementation of the ban will be closely monitored by fishery officials from respective coastal districts, the Bangladesh Navy, Coast Guards, police, and other relevant agencies. These entities will ensure that no fishermen enter the sea to catch fish during the prohibited period.
When asked about these concerns, Zillur Rahman, Additional Director General of the Department of Fisheries, replied, “The Bangladesh Navy will look after the sea so that no fishermen could catch marine fish from neighbouring countries during the banning period.”
Rahman assured that the Navy, along with other concerned departments, is fully prepared to enforce the ban. “Our Navy is very active. We shared everything with concerned departments during meetings regarding the banning of fishing in Bangladesh’s sea area,” he told The New Nation on Monday.
Alauddin Patwari, General Secretary of the Charfashion Trawler Owners Association, urged authorities to be vigilant to prevent Indian trawlers from entering the territory and catching fish.
At least 231 commercial fishing trawlers, 32,859 engine-driven trawlers, and 67,669 other water vessels will be restricted from fishing during the ban until July 23. However, each of the 311,062 affected fishermen will be given 86 kilogrammes of rice in two phases under the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme as an alternative arrangement for survival.
The government of Bangladesh has been imposing this ban on fishing in the sea for 65 days since 2019 to increase fishery resources in the marine boundary of the country, following the provisions of the Marine Fisheries Act, 2020.
The government imposed the ban to ensure safe breeding of fish and sustainable marine fish stock in the country, according to the circular.
According to the circular, it also stated that the ministry of fisheries and livestock will monitor the ban in association with the Coast Guard and other authorities concerned.
Sea-bound travel by marine fishermen will remain 100 percent restricted for the period, while the ice factories in the region will keep their production limited to ensure that no one is going to the sea to catch fish. Marine fishing boats and vessels have been asked to stay anchored during the banning period.