The Rangamati district administration has imposed a complete ban on fishing in Kaptai Lake to ensure proper breeding, growth, and natural expansion of released fish fry. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by District Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi, who also heads the Kaptai Lake Management and Operations Committee. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock issued a press release confirming the decision, which takes effect from midnight on April 24 until further notice.

According to the directive, fishing, transportation, and marketing of fish will remain suspended during the ban period. However, fish already caught may be landed at the Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) jetty until 4 p.m. on April 25. The release of new fish fry will begin on May 2. To prevent illegal fishing, joint patrols by the naval police and BFDC will be conducted, with temporary checkpoints and mobile court operations in place.

The ministry has also launched a humanitarian program to support 26,845 affected fishing families in Rangamati and Khagrachhari districts, providing 40 kilograms of rice per family over two months and transportation allowances to ensure food security during the ban.