Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar has advised the public to avoid eating panta-ilish on the first day of the Bangla calendar, calling it a harmful and imposed tradition that threatens hilsa conservation.
During a press briefing on Monday at the Secretariat regarding Jatka Conservation Week, Akhtar said that consuming hilsa during this period usually involves catching juvenile hilsa, or jatka, which is a direct violation of the law.
“Panta-ilish is not a part of our authentic cultural heritage,” she said. “This trend originated in Dhaka and does not reflect practices across the country.”
Instead of hilsa, she encouraged people to celebrate with traditional items like leafy greens, mashed vegetables, and roasted chilies.
Liberty News’ correspondent states that Jatka Conservation Week begins Tuesday and will continue until April 14. The adviser urged everyone to help protect the national fish and warned of strict legal actions against those who catch or sell jatka during this time.
LND/BG
