Dhaka - Bangladesh on Wednesday slapped a ban on fishing Hilsha on the Bay of Bengal to help increase the population of the widely consumed fish.

The ban will remain effective for 10 days until October 24, the main breeding period of the fish, over 7,000-square kilometres on the coast and estuaries to ensure safe spawning of Hilsha, an official at the fisheries and livestock ministry said.

"This initiative will increase production of the national fish resources," Manik Lal Samaddar, special assistant to the chief adviser of the interim administration to look after the ministry, told a press conference on Tuesday.

The ban will cover 20 coastal sub-districts where around 80 per cent of the gravid Hilsha (mother fish) spawn during this period in the river estuary, said the official, asking the fishermen to refrain from catching fish in these areas of southern Bhola, Patuakhali, Lakshimipur, Noakhali, Feni, Chittagong and Cox's Bazar districts.

Bangladesh produces more than 2200,000 tons of fish, 13 per cent of which is Hilsha, and its catch provides livelihood support to millions of people, from its inland waters and coastline.

If anyone violates the ban and goes fishing in the prohibited areas, they will be punished with six months of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of 1,000 taka (14 US dollars) for the first offence. In case of second violation of the order, the punishment will double, according to the Fisheries Protection Act of 1950.

Because of the protection against catching of fry in the breeding time, Bangladesh witnessed a slight rise in production of Hilsha, which is dubbed as its national fish. The government launched a campaign to make people aware of the issue in the coastal areas.

Anil Chandra Das, a fishery officer in southern Monpura island, said that he launched the campaign among fishermen using posters and banners. (dpa)