Thousands of Indian fishermen allegedly trespassing into Bangladesh’s maritime boundary, even during fishing bans, has prompted officials to propose forming a quick-response committee. On 2024-11-25, at a workshop held by the Department of Fisheries (DoF), the Fisheries and Livestock Adviser suggested a team comprising the DoF, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI), Coast Guard, Naval Police, and Navy to curb foreign intrusion. Emphasizing the importance of scientific approaches, she called for better communication with Indian authorities, accurate identification of breeding periods, and stricter action against illegal fishing nets and manufacturers.
Officials underscored the need for sustainable marine resource management. The BFRI proposed seeking international recognition for fishing bans, while the Fisheries Development Corporation stressed safeguarding Hilsa breeding cycles. Despite increased fish availability, stagnant prices highlight gaps in the supply chain. The adviser also urged the Ministry of Industries to revoke licenses of illegal net manufacturers and called for capacity enhancement of trawler-based fishermen to ensure resource conservation.