Chandpur authorities imprison 11 for illegal fishing

Authorities in Chandpur have sentenced 11 individuals to prison for using prohibited current nets to fish in the Padma and Meghna rivers. The crackdown was conducted during a joint operation involving the district administration, fisheries department, and river police.

During the raid, officials seized three fishing boats and approximately 2,000 square meters of illegal current netting. Following the operation, a mobile court presided over by Executive Magistrate Md. Barkat Ullah issued sentences under the Protection and Conservation of Fish Act, 1950. Seven individuals received one month of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of 1,000 BDT each, while the remaining four were sentenced to seven days of rigorous imprisonment and a 1,000 BDT fine each.

Senior Fisheries Officer Mirza Omar Faruk confirmed that the convicted individuals have been handed over to the court and that the seized equipment remains in the custody of the river police. Officials stated that strict operations will continue to protect aquatic resources in the region.