The government of Bangladesh has imposed a 58-day ban on fishing in its maritime waters, effective from April 15 to June 11. During this period, all types of fishing vessels will be prohibited from catching any species of fish.

According to an official gazette signed by Deputy Secretary H.M. Khalid Iftekhar of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the ban is enforced under the Marine Fisheries Regulations, 2023. The regulation aims to ensure sustainable fishing, protect marine resources, and support the breeding and growth of fish populations.

Fisheries officials stated that both Bangladesh and India implement seasonal fishing bans in the Bay of Bengal to allow fish populations to replenish. Previously, Bangladesh enforced a 65-day fishing ban from May 20 to July 23, while India’s restriction lasted 61 days from April 15 to June 14.

Fishermen in Bangladesh have long expressed concerns that during the local ban, Indian fishing vessels frequently encroach into Bangladeshi waters for nearly 39 days, depleting resources and undermining the conservation efforts. This unrestricted fishing threatens both marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions of Bangladeshi fishers.

To address these challenges, the government has revised its annual fishing restriction period, now aligning it with India’s ban from April 15 to June 11. This adjustment ensures a more synchronized conservation effort, though Bangladesh’s restriction will lift two days before India’s. The official gazette announcing this change was issued on Sunday under the directive of the President.