In a crackdown on illegal fishing during the hilsa breeding season, a mobile court detained 26 fishermen in the Padma-Meghna sanctuary area of Chandpur over the past 24 hours for violating a government ban.

The operation was led by Chandpur Sadar Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Shakhawat Jamil Saikat and involved collaboration among the river police, coast guard, and fisheries department.

This detention is part of the "Mother Hilsa Conservation Campaign-2024," aimed at protecting the species during its peak breeding period.

Mobile court sentences 4 for catching Hilsha in defiance of ban

Authorities also seized 50 kilogrammes of hilsa, 10,000 metres of illegal fishing nets known as "current nets," and a fishing boat.

Of those detained, 17 fishermen were sentenced to one month in prison without labor. The remaining nine, who were minors, were released issuing a warning and signing written bonds.

"Our efforts are aimed at safeguarding hilsa breeding and ensuring compliance with the law," said UNO Shakhawat.

The seized hilsa fish were distributed to local orphanages, and the illegal nets were burned at the Chandpur Coast Guard Station to prevent further use.

165 fishermen jailed for defying hilsha ban

The government has imposed a 22-day fishing ban from October 13 to October 22 along a 70-kilometer stretch of the Padma-Meghna rivers in Chandpur to ensure the safe spawning of hilsa.

During this period, catching, selling, storing, and transporting hilsa or any other fish is strictly prohibited. Violators may face fines of up to Tk 5,000, a maximum of two years in prison, or both.