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Thousands of Indians allegedly trespass on Bangladesh's maritime boundary for fishing even during the fishing-ban period, prompting the authorities concerned to think about forming a quick-response committee to prevent such illegal activities by the intruders.
Speaking at a workshop in the city on Monday, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter termed it a major challenge and proposed forming the body of representatives from relevant government agencies.
The agencies include the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI), Coast Guard, Naval Police, and Navy.
The adviser said the committee would help prevent foreign intrusion in the Bangladeshi maritime during the fishing ban periods.
She also emphasised on the need for proactive communication with the Indian authorities to address the issue.
The workshop titled "Rescheduling the Fishing Closure Period in the Bay of Bengal" was held at the DoF, where the adviser called for accurate determination of breeding periods and fishing closures following the scientific approaches.
She urged the BFRI to expand research efforts and share the findings with the people, while performing a dual responsibility to ensure benefits for fishermen and conserving fish stocks.
"Hilsa is a divine gift and a natural resource of Bangladesh," she said, adding that the entire nation must work together to allow Hilsa to grow after spawning.
Despite increased fish availability in the market, prices remain unchanged, necessitating comprehensive measures to address the issues related to catching, supply, marketing, and conservation of fish.
She warned that merely imposing fishing bans would not be effective without controlling the use of illegal fishing nets. A crackdown on net-producing factories in Munshiganj has already begun, with fines being imposed.
She called on the Ministry of Industries to revoke the licence of illegal net manufacturers.
Ms Akhter also stressed the need for enhancing the capacity of the trawler-based fishermen to ensure maritime sovereignty and sustainable resource management.
BFRI Director General Dr Anuradha Bhadra said: "We have to work on getting international recognition of fishing bans during specific periods. It would be a key method for marine resources conservation."
Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) chairman Suraiya Akhtar Jahan emphasised the importance of safeguarding breeding cycles, such as mother Hilsa and Jatka (baby Hilsa), to ensure sustainable growth in fish stocks.
Additional Secretary of fisheries ATM Mostafa Kamal also spoke at the event, with Additional Director General of the DoF Dr Md Abdur Rouf in the chair.