An eight-month nationwide ban on catching jatka, or juvenile hilsa, takes effect at midnight today (31 October) as the government steps up efforts to increase hilsa production and ensure sustainable conservation of the fish.
The ban will remain in force until 30 June 2027, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.
Under the restriction, catching, transporting, marketing, buying, selling and storing hilsa measuring less than 25cm will be prohibited.
The Department of Fisheries will implement the restrictions under the supervision of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.
According to the ministry, the government conducted the ‘Mother Hilsa Conservation Campaign 2026’ from 8 to 29 October during the peak breeding season to protect mature hilsa.
Juvenile fish hatched from eggs during the breeding season are now moving through coastal rivers and estuaries, where they generally remain for five to eight months.
Allowing the jatka to grow safely during this period will eventually contribute to higher hilsa production in the country, the ministry said.
Under the Fish Protection and Conservation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 and the Fish Protection and Conservation Rules, 1985, violations of the ban are punishable by up to two years of rigorous imprisonment, a fine of up to Tk5 lakh, or both.
The Department of Fisheries said the restriction would be strictly enforced nationwide with assistance from district and upazila administrations, the Navy, Coast Guard, River Police, Special Response Battalion (SRB) and local law enforcement agencies.
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