16 fishermen detained in Chandpur for catching juvenile Hilsa

A mobile court has detained 16 fishermen in Chandpur for catching juvenile hilsa in a protected area of the Padma–Meghna river sanctuary, with nine of them sentenced to various jail terms.

Officials said the remaining seven were released after signing bonds as they were found to be minors.

Chandpur Sadar Upazila Assistant Fisheries Officer Md. Mizanur Rahman confirmed the information on Thursday afternoon (April 16). The mobile court was conducted by Executive Magistrate Tanvir Rabbi from the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

The convicted fishermen are Billal Hossain, 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. All are from different areas of Shariatpur district.

Officials said a district task force conducted an operation from 12pm to 5pm and arrested the fishermen for violating the ban on catching juvenile hilsa.

During the drive, authorities seized four engine-powered wooden boats, one behundi net, and around 10,000 metres of illegal gill nets, which were later destroyed by burning.

Executive Magistrate Tanvir Rabbi said the mobile court sentenced two individuals to three months’ imprisonment and a fine of Tk 500 each, three individuals to one month’s imprisonment and a fine of Tk 500, three individuals to 15 days’ imprisonment and a fine of Tk 200 each, and one individual to 15 days’ imprisonment and a fine of Tk 500.