15 maunds banned piranha seized in Sirajganj

SIRAJGANJ, Nov 6: Authorities seized 15 maunds of banned piranha fish during a raid at Kutuber Char fish market in Salanga of Raiganj Upazila of the district on Thursday morning, fining two people Tk 1,000 each.

The raid was led by the Raiganj Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land), accompanied by other officials, following reports of widespread illegal sales of piranha fish in local markets.

The banned fish have reportedly been sold openly in markets across the upazila, including Pangashi, Ghurka, Chandaikona, Brahmagachha, Bhuiagati, Nimgachhi and Salanga. Many consumers, particularly low-income buyers attracted by their low prices, reportedly purchase the fish without knowing they are prohibited.

Raiganj Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Shariful Islam said authorities had conducted several drives to curb piranha farming and sales and would continue enforcement operations.