Barishal:A fisherman was killed and four others were injured during a reported clash with the River Police in the Meghna River in Hizla upazila of Barishal district. The incident occurred early Thursday, ahead of the conclusion of a 22-day ban on catching hilsa fish.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the deceased fisherman was identified as Akhtar Hossain Hawlader, 40, from Char Memania village. The body was initially kept at Hizla Upazila Health Complex. Witnesses reported that the clash took place near the Shawra Arakul fish landing station as enforcement teams were conducting operations to protect mother hilsa in the river.
The enforcement team allegedly opened fire in self-defense, injuring five people, including Akhtar. Akhtar was taken to Hizla Upazila Health Complex and later succumbed to his injuries en route to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital. The injured fishermen reportedly went into hiding, receiving treatment at undisclosed locations.
The circumstances of the incident remain unclear, with conflicting accounts from local residents and officials. Akhtar's sister, Sathi Akter, claimed the Coast Guard and Chandpur river police opened fire without warning. However, a media official from the Coast Guard's southern zone denied any operation in the Meghna River at the time.
Hizla Upazila Fisheries Officer KM Mahfuzur Rahman stated that no fisheries department teams were present on the river the night of the incident due to technical issues with their speedboat. Memania Union Parishad Chairman Afsar Uddin reported being informed of the incident by fishermen and assisted in rescuing Akhtar. Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.