The government-imposed 58-day fishing ban aimed at protecting hilsa breeding and marine biodiversity ends at midnight on June 11, 2026. Thousands of fishermen from Patuakhali’s coastal areas are preparing to return to the sea for hilsa fishing. At major landing stations in Mahipur and Alipur, activity has resumed as fishermen clean trawlers, repair nets and engines, and stock up on ice and food supplies.

According to the fisheries department, the annual ban period was previously set from May 20 to July 23 but was revised last year to April 15 to June 11 to align with neighboring India and address fishermen’s concerns. During the ban, all fishing, transport, storage, and sale of fish were prohibited in marine and coastal areas.

Local fishermen expressed both hope and frustration. Some said they struggled to sustain their families despite government rice aid, while others complained about not being listed for incentives. Fish traders expect business to revive as fishing resumes, and officials hope the ban will boost hilsa production and stabilize market prices.