The government has imposed a 58-day ban on all types of fishing in the Bay of Bengal from midnight today to protect marine biodiversity and ensure the smooth breeding and production of around 475 fish species.

Under the decision, all fishing activities in the sea will remain suspended from April 15 midnight to June 11, a press release of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock said today.

Earlier under the Marine Fisheries Ordinance, a 65-day annual fishing ban was enforced from May 20 to July 23 since 2015.

Initially, the restriction applied only to industrial trawlers, but since 2019 it has been extended to all mechanized boats and coastal fishing vessels.

Fishermen had long expressed dissatisfaction with the 65-day ban, alleging that while fishing remained suspended in Bangladeshi waters, fishermen from neighbouring countries often entered local waters and engaged in illegal fishing.

In response to their demands, the government revised the ban period last year, reducing it by seven days and aligning it with a neighbouring country's fishing restriction period.

The revised 58-day ban, effective from April 15 to June 11 through a notification issued last year, has been continued this year as well.

During the ban period, the government will provide special assistance to support the livelihoods of fishermen.

Under the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme, 3,11,062 sea-going fishermen from 67 upazilas in 14 coastal districts and Chattogram City Corporation will receive 40 kg of rice per month for 58 days.

Meanwhile, during the 58-day ban period in 2025, law enforcement agencies conducted extensive drives to enforce the restriction.

A total of 3,585 operations and 136 mobile court drives were carried out, during which 5,219 nets were seized and 81.62 tonnes of fish were confiscated.

In addition, 45 vessels were seized, 55 cases were filed, 16 people were sentenced to imprisonment and fines amounting to Tk 34.82 lakh were realised for violations.