Four Lalmohan fishers fined for violating hilsa fishing ban

LALMOHAN, BHOLA, Oct 14: A mobile court in Lalmohan Upazila of the district sentenced four fishermen to 14 days in jail each and fined them Tk 100 each for catching fish in the Tentulia River in violation of a government ban aimed at protecting mother hilsa.

A joint team from the Upazila Department of Fisheries and the Coast Guard conducted a drive on the river from noon until evening Tuesday, detaining five fishermen for allegedly violating the ban. One minor was released after signing a bond.

Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Md Rezwanul Haque handed down the sentences and fines after the fishermen were brought before the mobile court.

The convicted fishermen are Md Shamim, 19, Md Imran Mridha, 23, Md Rashed, 20, and Md Morshed, 24. All four are from Ward No. 6 of Sachra Union in neighbouring Borhanuddin Upazila of Bhola.

During the operation, authorities also seized 10 kilograms of various fish species and about 30,000 metres of illegal current nets. The seized fish were distributed to local orphanages and madrasas, while the nets were burnt and destroyed.

Upazila Fisheries Officer Ali Ahmad Akhand confirmed the operation, saying authorities remained on high alert to enforce the ongoing ban to protect mother hilsa.