DHAKA: An 11-day ban of all kinds of fishing in the river Meghna began Sunday to ensure safe spawning of hilsa fish during its peak breeding period.

The Fisheries and Livestock Ministry on Saturday issued the ban that would remain effective till October 15.

Under the ban, fishing and netting of all sorts of fish at 21 upazilas of the 7 coastal districts along with four spawning grounds – Kalirchar of Sandwip, Dhalerchar and Moulavirchar of Hatia and Charfassion of Bhola – will remain suspended.

The ban also prohibited carrying, transporting, selling or possessing of hilsa fishes.

Banglanews Lakshamipur correspondent reports authorities prohibited all types of fishing in a 100 kilometer area on the river from Satnal of Chandpur district to Ramgati of Lakshmiour district.

To enforce the ban, fisheries department, police and coastguard will drive operations on the rivers on time.

BDST: 1112 HRS, OCT 5, 2014