Chandpur: A mobile court sentenced nine fishermen to different terms of imprisonment for catching juvenile hilsa, locally known as jatka, in the Padma-Meghna river sanctuary area, violating government restrictions.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a total of 16 fishermen were detained during a joint task force operation conducted from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm today. Among them, nine were sentenced to jail terms, while the remaining seven, being minors, were released on bond. The information was confirmed by Chandpur Sadar Upazila Assistant Fisheries Officer Md Mizanur Rahman this evening.
The fishermen who faced imprisonment include Billal Hossain, aged 35; Jalil, 18; Yasin, 36; Hekmat Ali, 25; Rahmat Ullah, 30; Abul Bashar Gazi, 45; Md Jahid, 18; Md Soleman Gazi, 18; and Rabiul, 18. They hail from various areas in Shariatpur district. During the operation, the team seized and destroyed four engine-fitted wooden boats, one behundi net, and about 10,000 metres of current nets.
The operation was conducted jointly by fisheries officials, a mobile court led by Executive Magistrate Tanvir Rabbi, Coast Guard personnel, and naval police. The mobile court imposed different sentences: two fishermen received three months’ imprisonment and a fine of Tk 500 each; three were sentenced to one month’s imprisonment with a fine of Tk 500 each; three were given 15 days’ imprisonment and fined Tk 200 each; and one was sentenced to 15 days’ imprisonment with a fine of Tk 500.