To protect spawning Hilsa, the government has imposed a nationwide ban on fishing in the Padma, Meghna, and the Bay of Bengal from midnight October 3 to midnight October 25. The announcement has left fishing communities and traders frustrated. Despite being peak season, Hilsa catches have already been disappointing in parts of Lakshmipur and Raipur. Local fishermen reported that even when Hilsa appear in rivers and seas, catches are nowhere near previous levels. Many families now fear severe hardship. Last year, the ban began on October 12. Fishermen are urging authorities to reconsider the earlier enforcement date this year.