Photo : Messenger
Despite a government-imposed ban, illegal Hilsa fishing remains rampant in the Padma-Jamuna River near Manikganj. Despite the interventions of mobile courts and law enforcement, Hilsa hunters persist in capturing the valuable mother Hilsa fish through various illicit methods.
This unlawful activity is brazenly unfolding in the remote regions along the Padma-Jamuna, and even the news of mobile court operations involving the police fails to dissuade these Hilsa hunters.
Influential persons residing along the river have reportedly become involved in this illicit Hilsa fishing trade. What is even more concerning is the participation of children in Hilsa hunting along the riverbanks, which creates a festivity from Aricha Ghat in Manikganj to Nagarbari and Kazirhat as the Hilsa season unfolds. Despite the diligent efforts of the police and mobile courts to apprehend these Hilsa hunters, they manage to elude capture swiftly. Nonetheless, mobile courts are successful in apprehending poachers nearly every day and confiscating the fishing nets used for these illegal activities.
In accordance with the official notification, the government has imposed a comprehensive ban on the hunting, transportation, and storage of Hilsa fish for a duration of 22 days, starting from midnight on October 12 and concluding at midnight on November 2 this year. The purpose of this measure is to enhance the breeding of Hilsa, and it is essential to note that any violation of this regulation constitutes a punishable offense.
However, in direct contradiction to this ban, observations made last Wednesday in Shivaloy, Daulatpur, and Harirampur along the Padma-Jamuna River revealed that many fishermen were actively engaged in Hilsa fishing in the river.
Merely last Wednesday, a significant gathering of fishermen was sighted actively pursuing Hilsa fishing in the Padma-Jamuna River, specifically in areas like Shivaloy, Daulatpur, and Harirampur. A resident named Rabiul Islam from Baghutia Union in Daulatpur reported that Hilsa fish was available for purchase at Daulatpur Ghat, with a rate of Tk 900 for a kilogram and Tk 600 for half a kilogram.
Fishermen would not dare to engage in Hilsa fishing in the river without what appears to be tacit approval from politicians, public representatives, and the administration. It is a known fact that during this season, many politicians and public representatives generate substantial income through lobbying and participating in the Hilsa trade. This implies that there may be a systemic issue where these illegal activities persist with the knowledge or support of influential figures.
Some fishermen from Alokdia Char, who prefer to remain anonymous, shared that they do not venture to the river without prior communication with specific individuals. They mentioned that they are required to pay Tk 2,000 per boat per day. Before officials from the administration approach the river, they are alert via mobile phone. When questioned about the identity of the individuals to whom they provide this money, they became furious in responses.
Rabiul Islam, residing in Baghutia Union in Daulatpur, mentioned that if anyone needs Hilsa fish, he can deliver it at Daulatpur Ghat. Hilsa weighing 1 kilogram is priced at Tk 900, while Hilsa weighing half a kilogram is available for Tk 600.
Mofizur Rahman, a fisherman from the Dhulshura area in Harirampur upazila, reported that although the river had been devoid of fish for the past few days, a significant catch is being made starting from today. He explained that they didn't have face much hassles due to any raid.
Jasim Uddin, the Fisheries Officer of Shibaloy Upazila, reported that during an ongoing campaign in Shivalay, approximately 2,100 fishermen families received 25 kilograms of rice. Enforcement efforts in the river are ongoing.
Saifur Rahman, the District Fisheries Officer in Manikganj, explained that the anti-illegal fishing operation had not been particularly active in the past few days due to the scarcity of fish in the river. However, he mentioned that the campaign would be intensified. He also pointed out that there was a shortage of personnel in the fishery offices of the upazila, but efforts to address this manpower shortage have already been initiated. He highlighted the presence of several perilous points in the river, where assistance from the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) is necessary.
Md. Anishur Rahman Khanjanan, the Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Shivaloy Upazila, reported a joint operation conducted with Shibaloy Thana police on Wednesday, resulting in the seizure of around 30 kg of Hilsa and approximately 10,000 meters of current fishing nets. Three fishermen were apprehended, with one fined 5,000 taka, while the other two were released on bail. The confiscated Hilsa fish was distributed to beneficiaries of the Jamduara and Ulail Asharyan schemes, as well as to a local women's madrasa. The seized fishing nets were destroyed as a part of the enforcement efforts.
On Wednesday, Shibaloy Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land), Md. Anisur Rahman Khan said, in collaboration with Shibaloy Thana police, they conducted an operation targeting mother Hilsa in the Jamuna and Padma rivers. Approximately 30 kg of Hilsa fish and about 10,000 meters of current fishing nets were confiscated during this operation. Simultaneously, three fishermen were apprehended, with one being fined five thousand taka, and the other two were released on bail. The confiscated Hilsa fish was distributed to beneficiaries of the Jamduara and Ulail Asharyan schemes and a local women's madrasa, while the seized current nets were destroyed.
In four separate operations conducted on Saturday by the District Magistrate, Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer, and Assistant Commissioner (Land) in the Jamuna and Padma rivers, about 116 kg of Hilsa fish and roughly 10,000 meters of current fishing nets were seized. A total of 13 individuals were apprehended during these operations. Nine of them received fines amounting to 40 thousand taka, while four individuals were sentenced to 15 days in prison as a consequence of their involvement in illegal fishing activities.
Messenger/Sami/Sun Yath
