In Chandpur’s Matlab Uttar area, a mobile court has sentenced 14 fishermen to seven days in prison for illegally catching jatka, juvenile hilsa, in the Meghna River, in direct violation of seasonal fishing bans. The operation underscores the authorities’ ongoing commitment to protecting hilsa, a vital species for Bangladesh’s fisheries and food security.
The court session was held on Wednesday (11 March) afternoon under Rehmat Ullah, Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate of Matlab Uttar Upazila. Officials emphasised that such swift judicial action is critical to enforcing conservation regulations and deterring future violations.
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Convicted Fishermen
The sentenced individuals, aged 19 to 44, come from Chandpur Sadar, Matlab Uttar, and neighbouring Lakshmipur District.
| Name | Age | Home Area |
|---|---|---|
| Nur Mohammad | 27 | Chandpur Sadar |
| Iqbal Hossain | 20 | Matlab Uttar |
| Alauddin | 36 | Matlab Uttar |
| Kamal Hossain | 40 | Matlab Uttar |
| Md. Firoz | 44 | Lakshmipur |
| Khalil Hossain | 30 | Chandpur Sadar |
| Suman | 35 | Matlab Uttar |
| Nabir Hossain | 35 | Lakshmipur |
| Md. Sagar | 20 | Matlab Uttar |
| Md. Jamal | 28 | Chandpur Sadar |
| Imam Hossain | 19 | Matlab Uttar |
| Abul Hossain | 43 | Matlab Uttar |
| Hanifa | 35 | Lakshmipur |
| Al Amin | 21 | Chandpur Sadar |
Confiscation and Destruction of Illegal Equipment
During a night-time raid in the Meghna River sanctuary, the upazila task force 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 under the magistrate’s supervision, while boats and anchors were taken into police custody.
The operation included District Fisheries Officer Md. Fakhrul Islam, Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Bijoy Kumar Das, SI Md. Ahsan Habib of Mohanpur Boat Police, and other law enforcement personnel.
Officials’ Remarks
Assistant Commissioner Rehmat Ullah stressed:
“Protecting jatka is essential for future hilsa production. Anyone violating the ban will face immediate action under mobile court jurisdiction. Such operations will continue regularly.”
District Fisheries Officer Md. Fakhrul Islam added that fishing is strictly prohibited during the government-mandated conservation period. He warned that violators in sanctuary areas would face stringent legal consequences, reinforcing the state’s commitment to hilsa conservation.
Conservation and Strategic Significance
This crackdown forms part of a national programme to ensure sustainable hilsa fisheries, protect the livelihoods of communities dependent on hilsa, and maintain ecological balance in riverine systems. Mobile courts serve as rapid-response enforcement tools, complementing broader conservation measures implemented by the Ministry of Fisheries.
Authorities emphasise that continued vigilance and enforcement are vital to preventing illegal practices, securing long-term economic benefits, and sustaining the environmental health of Bangladesh’s rivers.