Staff Correspondent 

The Bangladesh Coast Guard East Zone has intensified regular operational drives and public awareness campaigns to ensure the conservation of mother hilsa across coastal and riverine areas within its jurisdiction.

Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan, Media Officer at Coast Guard Headquarters, confirmed the ongoing conservation activities in an official release issued on Monday afternoon.

The maritime security force is currently maintaining strict vigilance to implement the government's 22-day nationwide ban on catching, transporting, stocking, marketing, and selling hilsa, which remains in effect from October 8 through October 29 to protect mother hilsa during the peak breeding season.

To enforce the ban successfully, Coast Guard East Zone personnel have increased intelligence surveillance and round-the-clock water patrols along sea and river channels. Along with law enforcement measures, the force is conducting public awareness campaigns through loudspeaker announcements, leaflet distribution, and community discussion sessions to urge local fishermen to comply with the seasonal prohibition.

The Coast Guard is also carrying out joint operations in coordination with district administrations, the Department of Fisheries, and other law enforcement agencies to take legal action against violators. In its official release, the Coast Guard called upon citizens to report any violations or illegal fishing activities by dialing its emergency hotline number 16111.