3-month fishing ban begins in Kaptai Lake

A three-month ban on fishing, transportation, and marketing of fish in Kaptai Lake comes into effect from midnight Friday, as authorities move to protect fish breeding and ensure sustainable growth during the peak season.

Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi said the measure has been taken to ensure proper breeding, reproduction, and growth of fish in the lake during the current season.

“The restriction will be effective from Friday midnight,” she said. She added that government food assistance will be distributed among registered fishermen dependent on the lake through VGF cards during the ban period.

The district administration has also decided to conduct awareness campaigns through miking on roads and waterways to inform the public about the restrictions. Mobile court drives will continue to prevent illegal fishing in the lake. Commander Md. Foyez Al Karim of the Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) said fishing in the lake will stop from midnight Friday, while fish landing at BFDC ghats will be allowed until 4pm on April 25.

He also said that fish fry will be released into the lake starting from May 2 as part of efforts to replenish fish stocks. Temporary checkpoints will be set up to prevent illegal fishing and transportation during the restriction period, he added.

The decision was finalised at a meeting held on April 20, organised by the Rangamati district administration, where officials unanimously agreed to impose restrictions on all fishing-related activities in the lake.

Under the directive, the ban will remain in force for three months until further notice, with authorities warning of strict legal action against any violations.