In a significant enforcement operation, the West Zone Coast Guard in Mongla has apprehended five traders in possession of 490 kilograms (approximately 12 maunds 10 kilograms) of crabs, collected illegally from the Sundarbans. The arrests took place on Friday, 9 January, during a targeted raid in the Kalabagi area, located near the Sundarbans. This follows the detention of two local fishermen by forest officials the previous day, Thursday, 8 January.
Lieutenant Commander Mohammad Muntasir Ibne Mohsin, media officer of the West Zone Coast Guard, confirmed on Saturday that all confiscated crabs and the arrested individuals had been handed over to the Forest Department for further legal proceedings. The Coast Guard operation was conducted based on a tip-off about illegal crab collection in the area.
According to authorities, the total market value of the seized crabs is estimated at BDT 539,000 (approximately £4,400). The arrested traders, residents of Kalabagi, Dakop Upazila in Khulna District, were charged with violating government restrictions that prohibit crab harvesting during their breeding season, which runs from January to February.
Details of Friday Arrests:
| Name | Occupation | Residence | Quantity of Crabs (kg) | Estimated Value (BDT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarun Sarkar | Crab trader | Kalabagi, Dakop, Khulna | 98 | 108,000 |
| Monzur Dhali | Crab trader | Kalabagi, Dakop, Khulna | 100 | 110,000 |
| Mohammad Jahangir Gazi | Crab trader | Kalabagi, Dakop, Khulna | 97 | 107,000 |
| Masum Billah | Crab trader | Kalabagi, Dakop, Khulna | 98 | 107,500 |
| Mohammad Azad Sana | Crab trader | Kalabagi, Dakop, Khulna | 97 | 106,500 |
Earlier, on Thursday, 8 January, forest officers apprehended two fishermen while they were illegally collecting crabs in the canals of the Nilbaria forest area in Shyamnagar Range. They were found with over fifty crabs, crab-catching tools, and three boats. The detainees, Mohammad Julmat Khan (45) and Halim Khan (50), are residents of Borokathali village, Rampal Upazila, Bagerhat District.
Authorities emphasised that the Sundarbans crab ban during January and February is intended to protect the species during its critical breeding period. Any violation of these regulations is subject to strict legal action.
The recent operations by the Coast Guard and Forest Department highlight ongoing efforts to safeguard the Sundarbans’ fragile ecosystem, which supports a unique biodiversity and provides livelihoods to thousands of local communities. Officials have stated that similar enforcement actions will continue throughout the breeding season to prevent illegal exploitation of crab populations.