Illegal Khurchi fishing nets have spread across the Meghna River in Lalmohan upazila of Bhola, leaving local fishermen struggling to catch fish. The nets have been installed along nearly a two-kilometre stretch of the river near Dhaligouranagar and Lord Hardinge unions.

Local fishermen allege that the nets, installed under the protection of influential individuals, are trapping fish fry of various species and other aquatic animals, disrupting the natural movement of fish.

A visit to the area found that more than 100 trees from government forest land that had emerged in the river were allegedly cut down to make poles for installing the nets. Long sections of netting have been tied to those poles.

Faruk Majhi, Shafi Majhi and Robu Majhi, fishermen from Gaitta Fish Ghat in Lord Hardinge Union, said the river has very few fish despite the peak fishing season.

They said, “We used to catch fish worth Tk 8,000–10,000 a day from a single boat. Now, we cannot even catch fish worth Tk 1,000. All the fish in the river are getting trapped in these Khurchi nets.”

The fishermen said the administration had removed the nets in an operation around two years ago. However, the illegal nets have now been installed again. They urged the authorities to remove them immediately.

Several fishermen, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that a portion of the money earned from selling fish caught with the Khurchi nets goes to some local influential individuals. As a result, many fishermen are afraid to protest openly. They also alleged that officials of the relevant departments have been avoiding the issue.

Lalmohan Upazila Fisheries Officer Ali Ahmad Akhand said, “Due to a shortage of manpower, it has not yet been possible to conduct an operation. However, initiatives will be taken soon to remove the illegal Khurchi nets.”