Govt imposes 3-month fishing ban on Kaptai Lake

The local administration has imposed a three-month ban on fishing in Kaptai Lake, effective from 24 April, to ensure safe breeding, reproduction, and natural growth of fish.

The decision was taken at a meeting held at the Rangamati Deputy Commissioner's office yesterday (20 April) regarding restrictions on fishing and marketing of fish from the lake.

According to the decision, all kinds of fishing, transportation, and marketing of fish in Kaptai Lake will remain suspended from 12:00am on 24 April.

Strict action will be taken against those violating the ban.

Chaired by Deputy Commissioner Najma Ashrafi, the meeting was held at the conference room of the DC office.

The meeting also decided to raise awareness about the ban through announcements on roads and waterways.

Authorities will continue mobile court drives on the lake to prevent illegal fishing during this period.

Deputy Commissioner of Rangamati, Najma Ashrafi, said the ban has been imposed to ensure proper breeding and development of fish in the current season.

Government food assistance will be distributed to registered fishermen dependent on the lake through VGF cards during the ban period.

Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) Commander Md Foyez Al Karim said fishing in the lake will stop from midnight on 24 April, while fish landing at BFDC ghats will be allowed until 4:00pm on 25 April.

He also said the release of fish fry in the lake will begin on 2 May, and temporary checkpoints will be set up to prevent illegal fishing and transportation during the period.