Chandpur:District and upazila task forces, alongside river police, have detained 646 fishermen in Chandpur for catching hilsa during a 22-day ban imposed on the Padma-Meghna Rivers. The ban was established to ensure the safe breeding of mother hilsa.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, of the fishermen detained, 183 were apprehended during task force operations and subsequently sentenced to various terms of imprisonment and fines. Meanwhile, of the 463 fishermen detained by river police, 120 minors were released into the custody of their guardians on bonds, while regular cases have been filed against the remaining 343.
The Chandpur District Fisheries Officer and Chandpur River Police Station released a press statement detailing that the government banned the catching, buying, selling, stocking, and transporting of all fish types in a 70-kilometre stretch of the Padma-Meghna rivers from October 8 to October 29. During this time, 238 enforcement drives were conducted, resulting in the seizure of 2.753 tonnes of hilsa and 12,01,099 metres of nets, valued at Taka 2,71,80,000.
Fines amounting to Taka 396,200 were collected, and 161 cases were filed related to the incidents. The seized nets were destroyed, and the fish were distributed to local destitute communities, madrasas, and orphanages. The river police operations also led to the seizure of 30,90,585 metres of nets, 77 fishing boats, and the distribution of 1.320 tonnes of hilsa.
Officer-in-Charge of Chandpur River Police Station, Azamgir Hossain, noted that the nets were burnt after being used as evidence. Additionally, the river police filed 132 cases, including two related to attacks on their personnel. Following the ban's conclusion, approximately 44,000 registered fishermen returned to the rivers to resume fishing activities.