Fishing has resumed in Kaptai Lake after a 3-month-and-15-day ban, bringing renewed economic activity to the lakeside areas and relief to thousands of fishermen and their families.

The annual fishing ban is imposed to allow fish to breed and reproduce naturally.

Following the lifting of the restriction, thousands of fishermen have returned to the lake with their boats and nets, hoping to revive their livelihoods after a prolonged period of uncertainty.

The lake has become busy again since the ban ended.

At dawn, fishermen head to different parts of the vast waterbody with fishing nets and other equipment in search of fish.

The authorities, however, have stressed the importance of following regulations while fishing to ensure sustainable fish production and natural breeding in the lake.

Fishing in Kaptai Lake was suspended from midnight on April 24 under an order issued by the Rangamati district administration.

The ban was lifted from midnight Monday, allowing fishermen to resume fishing.

The prolonged restriction had left many fishermen uncertain about their income and livelihoods. With fishing activities resuming, a sense of relief has returned to the fishermen’s families.

Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC), Rangamati Manager Commander Md Foyez Al Karim said a large quantity of fish arrived at the BFDC landing centre on the first day after fishing resumed.

He said the fish were somewhat smaller due to inclement weather conditions, but expressed optimism that production in Kaptai Lake would surpass previous records in the coming days because of the opportunity provided for natural breeding and reproduction during the ban.

The vast waterbody of Kaptai Lake is directly linked to the economy of Rangamati and the livelihoods of a large number of people in the region.

While the resumption of fishing has brought relief to fishermen, proper enforcement of fishing regulations and effective monitoring are now essential to maintain fish production and breeding in the lake.

Locals said Kaptai Lake is not only an important source of Rangamati’s economy but is also closely linked to the livelihoods of thousands of people in the hill district.

They said increasing fish production while protecting the lake and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for fishermen remain major challenges.

They hope that stronger government monitoring, greater awareness among fishermen and proper management will help turn Kaptai Lake into an even richer fishery resource, with the benefits reaching thousands of fishing families living around the lake.