Barishal hilsa-ban enforcement faces staffing shortages and protection allegations

From 18 October 2026 — Daily Brief

Fresh reports from Barishal on Saturday described continued hilsa fishing and sales during the breeding-season ban, alongside allegations that local influential figures were helping fishers evade enforcement.

Reporting from Hizla and Mehendiganj, Jugantor quoted fishers who alleged payments were collected in exchange for protection and access to sales points. A local political leader named in its report denied involvement. The Business Standard separately reported accounts of political protection; those allegations have not been independently established by Bengal Brief.

District fisheries officer Md Hadiuzzaman described attacks on enforcement teams and difficulties patrolling the extensive river network. He told The Business Standard that four fisheries officers were responsible for a 318-kilometre sanctuary across the two upazilas, with limited resources for operations.

In Jugantor’s report, the officer rejected claims that detained fishers were being released without punishment. He said mobile courts had imposed penalties and invited specific evidence of wrongdoing.

The nationwide hilsa prohibition runs from 8 to 29 October and covers catching, transporting, storing and selling the fish. The new reports concern enforcement during that existing ban, not an extension or a newly announced closure.