A 58-day ban on fishing in the sea, which began on April 15, has left thousands of coastal fishermen in Bangladesh jobless. While the initiative was introduced in alignment with India’s similar move to preserve marine fish stocks, especially hilsa during breeding season, the lack of timely government support has pushed many fishing families into crisis. In Bhola alone, around 65,000 fishermen are out of work, spending their days repairing boats and fishing nets. Despite the promises of food aid and financial incentives, no assistance has reached them even after a week of the ban.

In regions like Barguna and Patuakhali, a combined total of over 74,000 sea-fishermen remain unemployed and distressed. With little to no income, and burdened by loans, particularly from NGOs, many are struggling to repay installments. Fishermen in Barisal share similar stories of hardship, as families like that of Josna Begum worry about how to afford daily essentials like salt, oil, and firewood to cook what little rice they have.

According to Md. Ershad Farazi, General Secretary of the Bhola Small Fishermen’s Association, the promised allocations for relief have yet to reach the fishermen. Meanwhile, local fisheries offices say they are trying their best, though they remain uncertain when support from the ministry will arrive. Some areas received one month’s food aid, while others reportedly received two. Barisal Division alone has over 419,000 registered fishermen, each supposed to receive 77 kg of food aid over the 58-day ban period.

As boats sit idle at coastal docks, doubts grow about whether this well-intended conservation effort will bring benefits if immediate support for fishermen is not ensured.