Environmental concerns and enforcement actions in Bangladesh rivers

Local residents and fishermen in Barguna's Talatali Upazila held a human chain to protest the discharge of toxic waste from a 350 MW thermal power plant into the Payra River. Organizers, including the Payra River Hilsa Protection Committee, allege that the contracting firm responsible for waste disposal is using auto-rickshaws and boats to dump pollutants directly into the river instead of following environmental regulations. This pollution is reportedly threatening aquatic life, specifically the Hilsa fish, and causing waterborne diseases and skin ailments among riverside residents. Additionally, smoke from the plant is cited as a threat to the biodiversity of the Tengragiri Wildlife Sanctuary.

In a separate enforcement action in Patuakhali's Rangabali, a mobile court sentenced 12 fishermen to 10 days of imprisonment each for violating fishing bans in the Tetulia and Buragauranga rivers. The operation, conducted by the local administration, fisheries department, and Coast Guard, resulted in the seizure and destruction of approximately 50,000 meters of illegal current nets valued at 1.5 million BDT. Authorities stated a zero-tolerance policy is in effect to protect Hilsa fish during their breeding season.