The local administration has imposed a three-month ban on fishing in Kaptai Lake, effective from April 24, to ensure safe breeding, reproduction, and natural growth of fish.

The decision was taken at a meeting held at the Rangamati Deputy Commissioner’s office on Monday afternoon regarding restrictions on fishing and marketing of fish from the lake.

According to the decision, all kinds of fishing, transportation, and marketing of fish in Kaptai Lake will remain suspended from 12:00am on April 24.

Strict action will be taken against those violating the ban.

Chaired by Deputy Commissioner Najma Ashrafi, the meeting was held at the conference room of the DC office.

The meeting also decided to raise awareness about the ban through announcements on roads and waterways.

Authorities will continue mobile court drives in the lake to prevent illegal fishing during this period.

Deputy Commissioner of Rangamati, Najma Ashrafi said the ban has been imposed to ensure proper breeding and development of fish in the current season.

Government food assistance will be distributed to registered fishermen dependent on the lake through VGF cards during the ban period.

Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) Commander Md Foyez Al Karim said fishing in the lake will stop from midnight on April 24, while fish landing at BFDC ghats will be allowed until 4:00pm on April 25.

He also said the release of fish fry in the lake will begin on May 2, and temporary checkpoints will be set up to prevent illegal fishing and transportation during the period.