Fishing ban in Kaptai Lake from April 24

The Rangamati District Administration has imposed a ban on all fishing in Kaptai Lake to protect breeding, reproduction, and the natural growth of stocked fish populations.

The decision was finalised at a stakeholder meeting in Rangamati today, according to a press release.

Under the directive, all fishing, transportation, and marketing of fish in the lake will be suspended from midnight on April 24 and remain in effect until further notice.

Officials stated that although fishing will remain prohibited until July 31, fish already caught may be landed at Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) ghats until 4pm on April 25.

A fresh release of fish fry into the lake will begin on May 2. To enforce the ban, the naval police and BFDC will conduct regular joint patrols, set up temporary checkpoints at key locations, and deploy mobile courts throughout the period. Authorities warned that violations will result in strict legal action.

To cushion the impact on fishing communities, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has launched a humanitarian assistance programme for affected families in Rangamati and Khagrachhari districts for the fiscal year 2025–26.

Under the initiative, 26,845 fishing families will each receive 40kg of rice—20kg per month over two months—totalling 1,073 tonnes.

Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi, president of the Kaptai Lake Management and Operations Committee, chaired the meeting, which was attended by representatives from the fisheries development, harvesting, and marketing sectors.