Fishing, fish supply and marketing have resumed in Kaptai Lake, the country’s largest artificial lake, on Tuesday after a 105-day ban imposed to protect fish breeding and ensure the sustainable development of its fish resources.

Fishermen resumed catching fish from midnight on Monday after the ban was lifted, bringing renewed activity to the BFDC landing ghat in Rangamati, where fishermen and fish traders gathered.

All ice factories in the district have also reopened following the resumption of fishing, while fish started arriving at the four fish landing centres in Rangamati from this morning.

The Rangamati district administration imposed the fishing ban from midnight on April 24 to ensure the natural breeding of carp species, facilitate the healthy growth of juvenile fish and create a favourable environment for the sustainable development of fish resources in Kaptai Lake.

Abdul Shukkur, general secretary of the Rangamati Fish Traders Association, said fish traders and others involved in the sector were delighted at the resumption of fishing after the prolonged suspension.

"The size of the fish appears to be somewhat smaller this time. We will have a clearer picture of the catch over the next few days. If larger fish are caught, we expect to make a profit," he said.

Rangamati BFDC Manager Commander Md Foyez Al Karim said a large quantity of fish arrived at the BFDC landing ghat on the first day after fishing resumed.

He said natural breeding and reproduction of fish in Kaptai Lake would help increase production and could enable the lake to surpass previous production records in the future.

The vast water resources of Kaptai Lake are closely linked to the economy of Rangamati and the livelihoods of a large number of people.

Every year, authorities impose a temporary fishing ban during the breeding season to allow fish to reproduce and grow before reopening fishing under regulated conditions.