The Forest Department has imposed a three-month ban on all forms of entry into the Sundarbans from June 1 to August 31 to facilitate the breeding of fish and other aquatic species, conserve biodiversity and ensure the protection of wildlife.
During this period, fishing, crab harvesting, honey collection and tourism activities will remain completely suspended across the world's largest mangrove forest.
Forest authorities said all permits for entering the Sundarbans have been cancelled and all forest-dependent workers were asked to return from the forest by Sunday evening.
Officials warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone violating the restriction.
According to the Sundarbans Forest Division, June to August is the peak breeding season for fish and various aquatic species in the forest's rivers and canals.
The period also allows forest resources to regenerate naturally and enables wildlife to move freely without disturbance.
The Forest Department has been enforcing the annual three-month restriction since 2020 and claims the measure has yielded positive results by increasing fish reproduction, protecting biodiversity and improving wildlife conservation.
During these three months, the Sundarbans gets a chance to rest from all forms of human activity and disturbance.
However, the restriction has caused concern among thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on the Sundarbans, including fishermen, honey collectors and other forest-based workers.
Many forest-dependent residents have urged the government to provide food assistance and financial support during the ban period.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Sundarbans East Division, Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, said the restriction had been imposed, as in previous years, to promote fish breeding, ensure the free movement of wildlife and allow forest resources to recover.
Permission for professional forest users had been suspended a week ago and no tourists would be allowed to enter the Sundarbans during the ban period, he said.
"We have been conducting awareness campaigns through loudspeaker announcements in adjacent areas over the past several days. All forest-dependent workers have left the Sundarbans by Sunday evening and currently no professional groups remain inside the forest," he said.
The DFO also said a proposal has been sent to the relevant authorities seeking food assistance and incentives for fishermen and other people affected by the temporary closure.