News Desk : dhakamirror.com
An eight-month countrywide ban on catching, trading, and marketing jatka began today to boost the production of hilsa, the national fish.
The ban will remain in force until June 30 next year, according to a press release of Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.
During this period, catching, selling, transporting, exchanging, or storing jatka — hilsa fry less than 25 centimetre long — has been declared a punishable offence under the relevant law.
According to the law, violation of the ban is punishable with up to two years of rigorous imprisonment, or a fine of up to Tk 5 lakh, or both.
Fisheries officials said those involved in illegal jatka catching or trade will not be spared, and strict legal action will be taken against violators.
To ensure effective enforcement, joint drives will be conducted in rivers and coastal areas by district administrations, the fisheries department, Coast Guard, and river police.
Patuakhali District Fisheries Officer Kamrul Islam said, “Coordinated drives will continue throughout the period to ensure successful jatka conservation.”
