78 fishermen held for violating Hilsa ban in Barishal

 
Members of Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) detained a total of 78 fishermen for defying Hilsa fishing ban in Meghna river of Hizla upazila in Barishal district early hours on Sunday.

At that time, 50 kg of Hilsa, 3,00,000 meters of illegal net and seven wooden-made fishing boats were also seized from the possession of the fishermen.

Lieutenant Commander Khandaker Munif Taqi, media officer of coast guard headquarters, confirmed the matter on Sunday.

He said, "Members of coast guard conducted raids from October 13 to November 3 in Meghna river during 22-day ban on catching, selling, and transporting the fish. Acting on a tip-off, a coast guard team conducted a raid in Meghna river under Hizla upazila early hours on Sunday. A total of 78 fishermen were arrested during the drive. A total of 50 kg of Hilsa, 3,00,000 meters of illegal net and seven wooden-made fishing boats were also seized from their possession."

Later, the seized fishing nets were burnt to ashes in presence of Hilsa Resources Development and Management Project Deputy Project Director Mohammad Nasir Uddin. The seized fishes were distributed among the local orphanages.

The detained fishermen were handed over to Hizla police station for taking further legal action, the media officer added.