Fishermen from neighboring countries fishing freely

The government has imposed ban on fishing for free breeding of mother hilsa starting from October 14 to November 4. The fishermen of the country have welcomed the decision by refraining from fishing.

On the other hand during the period of ban the local fishing trawlers are not venturing on the Bay of Bengal but fishermen from the neighboring countries are fishing freely. So fishermen from the coastal areas expressed concern that they will not be able to catch adequate hilsa after the ban.

The government since 2006 used to impose ban on hilsa catching for 22 days after the full moon at the end of Bangla month of Asshin. The fisheries directorate has banned catching, transport, stock, sale and buy of all kinds of fish during this period. But in this period fishermen from the neighboring countries are entering on the water of Bangladesh area and taking away fishes.

Local fishermen said, we are being benefitted during this period of ban every year. But the fishermen from Myanmar and India are taking away fishes from Bangladesh area. For this reason we are being affected.

The leaders of local fishermen have demanded for taking all sorts of action to stop fishing by the fishermen from other countries on Bangladesh area.

In this regard Kuakata river-police In-charge Mahmudul Hossain Mollah alleged that they cannot go to the deep sea due to shortage of water transport.

He said, fishermen from our neighboring countries are not obeying the ban. And we have no adequate water transport to venture on the sea.

In this regard Patuakhali district fisheries officer Mollah Emdadullah said that the matter will be informed to the higher authority demanded by the fishermen.

He said, we already have submitted the summary to the upazila administration.

Concerned persons hope that the government will take active steps to protect the water border of the country.

AH