Over 200 factories making banned 'China Duari' nets

PABNA, Aug 27: Thousands of metres of banned fishing nets are being made in more than 200  factories every day in the Demra area of Faridpur Upazila of Pabna District and its surrounding villages. 

Thousands of metres of these nets reach different parts of the country every day through trucks, pickups, and courier services. The natural reproductive system of rivers, canals and beels is now under extreme threat due to the unbridled spread of these nets, which destroy aquatic life, from small fry to mother fish with eggs.

According to fisheries experts, it is urgent to strike at the main source of these nets now to save indigenous fish species. Conscious circles are raising questions about how this illegal Demra syndicate is getting away with it despite clear prohibitions and punishments under the Fisheries Protection and Conservation Act.

Along with strict surveillance of courier services and transport points, there is a growing demand for immediate mobile court raids on illegal factories. Whether the administration will finally take strict steps to protect domestic fish resources or this destructive activity will continue remains to be seen. 

Faridpur Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Sujit Kumar Munshi said that they are trying their best to stop the making of illegal nets. He said the government and the public should also be aware of this issue. On the other hand, he said that adequate workforce, allocation, and full-time appointment of a magistrate are necessary. Without adequate workforce and support, it is difficult to stop the making of illegal nets.