Hilsa worth Tk 1 crore seized amid moratorium, distributed among orphanages, mosques
Photo: Agamir Somoy
Amid a moratorium on Hilsha catch that began on April 15, Bangladesh Coastguard South Zone seized about 1,140 kilograms of sea hilsa worth approximately Tk 10.14 million during a drive in Bhola.
The confiscated fish were later distributed among orphanages, mosques, madrasas, and underprivileged people.
The distribution took place on Wednesday afternoon in the presence of Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Mehedi Hasan Bhuiyan.
Earlier, on Tuesday night, acting on a tip-off, Coast Guard personnel conducted a raid in the Paner Arot area along the Bhola–Ilisha highway. Three trucks suspected of transporting illegal fish were searched, leading to the seizure of the hilsa. The trucks and fish were then taken to a Coast Guard and BGB base at Bhola ferry ghat.
According to Coast Guard and fisheries department sources, intelligence reports suggested that a large consignment of illegal sea fish was being transported from Bhola to Dhaka. Following this, Coast Guard members set up a checkpoint in the area and searched the suspicious vehicles.
The Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer said that a government-imposed 58-day fishing ban is currently in effect in the sea. During this period, fishing, transportation, and marketing of marine fish are strictly prohibited. The operation was part of enforcing this restriction.
He added that the seized fish were distributed following government procedures among orphanages, mosques, madrasas, and needy people.
Locals believe that continued enforcement during the ban will help improve fish breeding and marine resource conservation.
