Chandpur Court Sentences 14 Fishermen for Illegal Fishing

In Chandpur’s Matlab Uttar area, a mobile court has handed down seven-day prison sentences to 14 fishermen caught violating fishing bans in the Meghna River. The fishermen were apprehended for catching jatka, juvenile hilsa, in contravention of seasonal conservation regulations.

The mobile court session was conducted on Wednesday (11 March) afternoon by Rehmat Ullah, Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate of Matlab Uttar Upazila. The swift action reflects ongoing efforts to preserve hilsa stocks, a critical resource for Bangladesh’s fisheries and food security.

Details of Convicted Fishermen

The convicted individuals, aged between 19 and 44, hail from various areas in Chandpur Sadar, Matlab Uttar, and neighbouring Lakshmipur District.

Seizure and Destruction of Illegal Equipment

Authorities reported that the upazila task force conducted a night-time raid in the Meghna River sanctuary. During the operation, they seized:

1 behundi net

1 chap net

Approximately 20,000 metres of illegal electric fishing nets

4 fishing boats

4 anchors

All confiscated nets were burned in the presence of the executive magistrate, while the seized boats and anchors were placed under police custody.

The raid included participation from District Fisheries Officer Md. Fakhrul Islam, Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Bijoy Kumar Das, and SI Md. Ahsan Habib of Mohanpur Boat Police, along with other law enforcement personnel.

Statements from Officials

Assistant Commissioner Rehmat Ullah emphasised the importance of protecting jatka for the future sustainability of hilsa production:

“It is essential to safeguard jatka for the next generation of hilsa. Anyone caught violating the ban will face immediate action under mobile court jurisdiction. These operations will continue in the future.”

District Fisheries Officer Md. Fakhrul Islam reiterated that fishing is strictly prohibited during the government-designated conservation period. He warned that any illegal fishing in sanctuary areas would be met with strict legal action, underscoring the government’s commitment to the protection and recovery of hilsa stocks.

Conservation Significance

The crackdown forms part of a nationwide initiative to ensure sustainable hilsa fisheries, protect livelihoods dependent on the species, and maintain ecological balance in riverine systems. Mobile courts provide a rapid-response mechanism to deter illegal fishing, complementing broader conservation programmes enforced by the Ministry of Fisheries.

With such enforcement measures, authorities aim to curb illegal practices and secure the long-term economic and environmental viability of Bangladesh’s hilsa fisheries.