Despite a ban on the catching and selling of hilsa, the popular fish was found being sold openly in a market in Faridpur adjacent to the Padma River.
A mobile court led by Executive Magistrate Fazle Rabbi conducted a raid on Monday evening at Lal Khar Bazaar in Char Madhabdia Union, leading to the seizure of 5.5 maunds of hilsa based on secret information (each maund is approx. 38kg).
During the operation, one fisherman was arrested and sentenced to four days in prison, while a buyer was fined Tk 5,000. Many others managed to flee upon hearing of the raid.
The seized hilsa was subsequently taken to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, where it was distributed to local madrasas and orphanages.
Executive Magistrate Fazle Rabbi stated that regular operations are ongoing to combat illegal fishing, although some unscrupulous fishermen continue to catch and sell hilsa.
"The operation would continue for public interest," he added.