Bangladesh has imposed an eight-month nationwide ban on catching juvenile hilsa, locally known as Jhatka, starting Saturday, November 1, as part of efforts to boost the country’s hilsa production and ensure sustainable conservation of its national fish. The restriction will remain in effect until June 30, 2026, according to a press release from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MoFL).

Under the ban, catching, transporting, marketing, selling, or storing hilsa smaller than 25 centimeters will be strictly prohibited. The Department of Fisheries (DoF) will implement the restriction under the supervision of the ministry.

Earlier, from October 4 to 25, the government conducted the “Hilsa Conservation Campaign 2025” to protect brood hilsa during the peak breeding season. The ministry said that eggs released during that period have now hatched, and the fry are swimming in coastal rivers and estuaries. If these young fish grow safely, officials expect hilsa production to rise significantly in the coming years.

Violating the restriction is punishable under the Protection and Conservation of Fish (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 and the Protection and Conservation of Fish Rules 1985, with penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to BDT 500,000, or both.

The Department of Fisheries, in collaboration with the district and upazila administrations, the Navy, Coast Guard, River Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and other local law enforcement agencies, will enforce the ban across the country.