Bangladesh bans hilsa fishing Oct. 4–25, 2025, to protect spawning fish, enforcing the ban with military and aid to 620,140 families.

Bangladesh will ban hilsa fishing nationwide from October 4 to 25, 2025, to protect spawning mother hilsa during peak breeding season. The 22-day closure, enforced under the Fisheries Conservation Act, 1950, prohibits all hilsa-related activities in rivers and coastal areas. Authorities, including the River Police, Coast Guard, and Navy, will enforce the ban, while 620,140 fisher families across 37 districts will receive 25kg of rice each. Additional measures include halting trawler intrusions, banning dredging, and restricting harvesting at river mouths. Last year’s drive led to significant seizures and fines, with research showing a 52.5% spawning success rate. The Barishal division remains the top hilsa-producing region.