Special Operation to Protect Mother Hilsa in Meghna: 10 Fishermen Arrested in Raipur

Staff Reporter | PNN:

In a special operation to protect mother Hilsa during its main breeding season, a task force arrested 10 fishermen in Raipur, Lakshmipur, for violating the government's 22-day ban on fishing in the Meghna River's sanctuary area. During the operation, 15 kilograms of Hilsa, one fishing boat, and nearly 80,000 meters of illegal current nets were seized.

The special operation was carried out from 1:30 AM to dawn on Sunday (October 12) at various points along the river. The operation was led by District Fisheries Officer Aminul Islam and Assistant Director Jasim Uddin. Raipur’s Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Rashed Hasan confirmed the operation's success on Sunday morning.

The operation involved Raipur Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Nigar Sultana, Coast Guard Contingent Commander Hafizul Islam, Assistant Fisheries Officer Al Amin, and other task force members.

The arrested fishermen are:

1. Abu Taher,
   
   

2. Mohammad Tarek,
   
   

3. Akhtar Sardar,
   
   

4. Limon Bepari,
   
   

5. Raju Haji,
   
   

6. Zakir Sardar,
   
   

7. Kamal Mutait,
   
   

8. Zulhas Mia, and
   
   

9. Jewel Mridha.
   
   

A minor fisherman, Mohammad Robiul, was released with a promise to appear in court.

During the night, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Nigar Sultana conducted a mobile court and fined 9 fishermen 10,000 BDT each, with a 7-day jail sentence if the fine was not paid.

The seized illegal current nets were publicly burned, and the confiscated Hilsa fish were distributed among the local underprivileged.

Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Rashed Hasan stated, “The administration is taking strict measures to conserve mother Hilsa. Fishing or netting in the river is strictly prohibited during this period. This operation will continue in the interest of the public.”