Hilsa poaching persists in Padma River despite govt ban

Despite the government ban, the poaching of mother Hilsa continues in the Padma River at Zajira, Shariatpur.

Alongside fishing at various points of the river, Hilsa is being sold publicly on the riverbanks in areas including Palerchar, Kathuria, Majhirghat, Naodoba, and Bilaspur. Illegal fishing is not stopping completely even in the face of administration drives.

So far, the administration has detained eight people, filed cases against them, and seized several trawlers. The government imposed a 22-day ban from 8 October to 29 October on harvesting, transporting, stocking, marketing, and buying or selling Hilsa.  

This initiative was undertaken to ensure the uninterrupted breeding of mother Hilsa. However, allegations of fishing in violation of the ban have been received from various points on the Padma River, including Palerchar, Majhirghat, Kathuria, Pailan Molla, Borkandi, Bilaspur, and Naodoba in Zajira.

On Monday morning, Hilsa was seen being sold across various areas of the upazila. At noon, crowds of buyers gathered during the sale of fish on the banks of the Padma in Bilaspur. At the same time, people were also seen fishing in the river using boats and trawlers.

Local sources claim that some fishermen are using powerful “fighter engines” on fishing boats to catch Hilsa and bring them to the riverbanks for sale. To assist fishermen during the ban period, the government is distributing VGF rice.

A total of 25 kilograms of rice each is being provided to 3,376 fishermen in Zajira. Among 12 unions and one municipality, distribution has been completed across nine unions and the municipality. Rice distribution remains pending in Boro Gopalpur, Bikenagar, and Senerchar unions.

Regarding the operational constraints, Zajira Upazila Fisheries Officer (Additional Duty) Fatema Tuz Zohra said, “The fisheries department does not have its own speedboat. Due to limitations in manpower and equipment, drives have to be conducted by hiring trawlers.”

Meanwhile, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Al Imran added that drives are continuing to protect mother Hilsa. He noted, “Drives are continuing to protect mother Hilsa. So far, eight people have been detained, and regular cases have been filed against them. Several trawlers have also been seized. Owners of trawlers used in illegal fishing will be identified, and legal action will be taken against them as well.”