15 fishermen jailed for catching jatka in Chandpur

A mobile court has sentenced 15 fishermen to different jail terms – ranging from 15 days to three months – for catching jatka in violation of the ongoing ban on fishing in the Padma-Meghna sanctuary area of Chandpur.

The Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh Coast Guard and River Police conducted a joint drive in the sanctuary area of Sadar upazila from on Thursday afternoon, said Assistant Fisheries Officer Md Mizanur Rahman.

During the drive, 22 fishermen were detained while catching Hilsa fry defying the ban. Five illegal current nets and five fishing boats were also seized.

Of the detainees, 15 were sentenced to different jail terms through a mobile court. Fine was also slapped on some of them.

Besides, six of the detainees were released on undertakings as they were minors, while another sick fisherman was released after realising Tk 500 as fine.

The convicted fishermen were later sent to jail, said Inspector (Investigation) of Chandpur Sadar Model Police Station Mintu Dutta.