She made the remarks while speaking to reporters after inaugurating the Annual Research Review Workshop at the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) in Savar on Wednesday (October 22) afternoon.
The advisor said, “We have learned that when our fishermen are not allowed to go to the rivers or the sea during the ban, some fishermen from India are entering our territory to fish. Our Coast Guard and Naval Police have been alerted and are taking necessary action. We want our people to enjoy Hilsa — no one should be able to steal fish from our waters.”
Addressing the timing of Hilsa spawning, Farida Akhter explained, “Even if India makes an error, we cannot afford to do so. Our fishing ban is declared based on lunar cycles — starting four days before the full moon of the Bengali month of Ashwin and lasting for 22 days. Hilsa do not lay eggs based on the calendar date, but rather according to the lunar phase — during the full moon and new moon.”
She added, “If India made a technical adjustment in their ban period, I will not comment on that. But our decision was made based on scientific research. The Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI), researchers, and even fishermen’s representatives were present at the meeting when we finalized the timing. They live by the rivers and seas — they know when Hilsa lay eggs.”
During the event, Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Abu Taher Md. Zaher, Director General of the Department of Livestock Dr. Md. Abu Sufian, Director General of BLRI Dr. Shakila Faruk, and several other officials were present.
