Munshiganj: Mentioning that drives and punitive measures are not sufficient to stop the use of synthetic nylon nets, known as the current nets, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter urged all stakeholders to play a vigorous role in this regard. "The synthetic nylon nets are now being produced in different regions across the country, including Munshiganj... The government is conducting regular drives and recovering illegal nets...But not only the drive and taking punitive actions against concerned persons are not enough to resolve the problem," said the adviser.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser shared these insights during a view-exchange meeting with district administration, law enforcement agencies, fisheries department officials, net manufacturers, and fishermen at the office of Munshiganj Deputy Commissioner. Farida highlighted that fishermen are inclined to use these nets because of their affordability, lightweight nature, and ease of transport. However, she emphasized that all types of fish, regardless of size, are being caught with this environmentally damaging net.
Farida Akhter expressed concerns about the impact on hilsa, a globally favored fish, stating, "We are proud of the abundance of this type of fish... But we feel hurt when we see Jatkas [hilsa fry] being caught extensively." She noted that today's meeting was specifically for those involved in the manufacturing and trading of these environmentally hazardous nets.
Consequently, the adviser called on stakeholders to become more conscious and cease the production and marketing of harmful synthetic nylon nets. The program, chaired by Deputy Commissioner of Munshiganj Fatematul Jannat, was attended by notable figures including Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sharf Uddin Ahmad Chowdhury, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Syeda Naoara Jahan, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr. M. Abdur Rauf, District Livestock Officer Dr. Nazrul Islam, District Fisheries Officer ATM Toufique Mahmud, and various Upazila Nirbahi Officers of Munshiganj district.