Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 10th January 2026, 1:24 PM
In a concerted operation against illegal crab harvesting, the Bangladesh Coast Guard’s Western Zone in Mongla has apprehended seven individuals over two days for violating protective regulations in the Sundarbans. On Friday, 9 January, five traders were arrested in Kalabagi, a region adjacent to the Sundarbans, following intelligence-led surveillance.
Earlier, on Thursday, 8 January, two fishermen were detained by forest rangers in Shyamnagar Range, Nilbaria forest area, for illegal crab collection. Authorities confirmed that the combined seizure over the two-day period amounted to 490 kilograms of crabs, with an estimated market value of 539,000 BDT.
Lieutenant Commander Md. Muntasir Ibne Mohsin, Media Officer of the Coast Guard Western Zone, stated on Saturday that all confiscated crabs and the arrested individuals had been handed over to the Forest Department for further legal action.
The Friday operation targeted traders who were found in breach of the government ban on crab harvesting, which is in place during the breeding season from January to February to protect crab populations in the Sundarbans.
| Name | Address | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Tarun Sarkar | Kalabagi, Dakop, Khulna | Crab Trader |
| Monzur Dhali | Kalabagi, Dakop, Khulna | Crab Trader |
| Mohammad Jahangir Gazi | Kalabagi, Dakop, Khulna | Crab Trader |
| Masum Billah | Kalabagi, Dakop, Khulna | Crab Trader |
| Mohammad Azad Sana | Kalabagi, Dakop, Khulna | Crab Trader |
| Name | Age | Address | Confiscated Items |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammad Julmat Khan | 45 | Borokatakhali, Rampal, Bagerhat | 50+ crabs, 3 boats |
| Halim Khan | 50 | Borokatakhali, Rampal, Bagerhat | 50+ crabs, 3 boats |
Authorities emphasised that harvesting, trading, or transporting crabs from the Sundarbans is strictly prohibited during the breeding season to ensure the species’ survival and maintain ecological balance. The joint efforts of the Coast Guard and Forest Department signal a stringent approach to enforcing these conservation laws and curbing illegal activities in the region.
The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a critical habitat for various marine and terrestrial species, including the mud crab, which holds significant ecological and economic value. Officials warn that illegal exploitation not only threatens biodiversity but also undermines the livelihoods of lawful crab harvesters.
The two-day crackdown serves as a stern warning to others flouting the seasonal ban, highlighting the government’s commitment to protecting the Sundarbans’ fragile ecosystem.
Comments