Hidden camera captures naval police collecting monthly extortion from fishermen

Several members of the Char Duani Naval Police outpost in Patharghata, Barguna, have been accused of regularly collecting monthly extortion from fishing trawlers and small cargo vessels. A local journalist, posing as a fisherman to investigate the allegations, captured footage on a hidden camera of an ASI taking money from him.

Senior naval police officials have said departmental and legal action will be taken against those found guilty if the allegations are proven.

According to locals, thousands of fishermen risk their lives fishing in the Baleshwar and Bishkhali rivers. They are already in financial distress due to poor catches, debt and rising costs. The alleged regular extortion by naval police has added to their frustration.

According to the Patharghata Upazila Fisheries Department, there are 16,820 registered fishermen in the upazila. However, the Barguna District Fishermen's Trawler Owners' Association claims that around 30,000 fishermen, both registered and unregistered, are involved in fishing in the area.

Local fishermen and traders allege that several members of the Char Duani Naval Police outpost collect Tk 2,000 to Tk 3,000 per month from fishing trawlers and small cargo vessels operating in the rivers and sea. If the extortion is not paid, they are allegedly harassed through false cases or charged larger sums on various pretexts.

A local journalist, who went undercover as a fisherman to verify the allegations, captured footage of ASI Kabir Hossain taking money on a hidden camera. According to the complaint, he collected money both directly and through mobile banking.

When contacted, ASI Kabir Hossain claimed that a portion of the collected money goes to the outpost in-charge and several others.

Barguna District Fishermen's Trawler Owners' Association President Golam Mostafa Chowdhury said the allegation of extortion by threatening fishermen who contribute to the country's economy at great personal risk is deeply concerning. He demanded exemplary punishment for those found guilty through an impartial investigation.

However, Char Duani Naval Police outpost in-charge Md Gaj Gavir Mia denied the allegations, saying he was on the river on the day of the incident and was unaware of the matter.

Patharghata Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Hasibul Haque said there had been previous complaints of naval police taking money from fishermen. After seeing the video, the matter will be reported to higher authorities so that fishermen can fish without hindrance.

Naval Police Barisal Region Superintendent of Police S M Nazmul Haque said the incident has come to their attention and is under investigation. If the allegations are proven, legal action will be taken against those involved.