Fishing resumes after 58-day ban

Fishermen have resumed fishing in the sea after a 58-day ban. Fishing boats began heading out to sea after midnight on Thursday (June 11), amid concerns about pirate activity in coastal waters. A festive atmosphere prevailed at the fishing piers.

Fishermen were seen loading fishing nets, ice, fuel, and other supplies onto their boats at Rajair Fishing Pier in Sharankhola Upazila of Bagerhat district on Thursday afternoon.

The Fisheries Department had imposed a 58-day ban on fishing in the Bay of Bengal to help increase fish stocks. The ban, which began on April 15, ended at midnight on June 11.

As soon as the restriction was lifted, fishermen set out for the Bay of Bengal in their fishing boats to catch fish.

However, an official of the Barguna Fishing Trawler Owners’ Association, who requested anonymity, said that many fishing boats in the Patharghata area had gone to sea and started fishing before the ban officially ended.

Fishermen Rafiqul and Shanta from Khontakata village in Sharankhola Upazila said they had endured significant hardship during the two-month ban. Since fishing was prohibited, they had to take out loans to support their families.

Now, they hope to repay those debts through their fishing activities. They also called on law enforcement agencies to ensure their security at sea.