Hilsa production is declining after a steady rise over two decades due to water pollution from three power plants located near the Hilsa Sanctuary, siltation of rivers and overfishing, raising concerns about the much-loved fish’s sustainability and affordability.

Defying a ban, a section of fishermen have been netting hilsa in the Meghna and selling those at a makeshift market in Sadar upazila for the last couple of days.

A 22-day government ban on netting, selling, and transporting hilsa started at yesterday midnight. A circular to this end has been issued recently.

Bangladesh Coast Guard seize 3,080kg hilsa and detain 168 fishermen for netting the fish defying a government ban on hilsa fishing from September 25 to October 9 to protect the fish during the breeding time.

Coast Guard members seize 600kg hilsa fish and detain 38 fishermen for fishing hilsa illegally in the Bay of Bengal.