Two fishermen have been sentenced to 16 days in jail each, while two others have been fined Tk 5,000 each for violating the government-imposed ban on hilsa fishing in the Meghna River near Betua in Charfashion, Bhola. Two underage fishermen were released after submitting written undertakings.

The action was taken on Wednesday (October 14) during a mobile court operation under the Mother Hilsa Conservation Campaign 2026. Six fishermen were detained during the drive.
During the operation, authorities seized a boat, 18,000 metres of illegal fishing nets and 15 kilograms of fish. The boat was later released after an undertaking was obtained. The confiscated nets were burned, while the seized fish were distributed to a local orphanage.

Charfashion Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) conducted the mobile court operation. Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Jayanta Kumar Apu and police personnel were also present.
According to the upazila administration, regular drives are being conducted in the river to ensure the safe breeding of mother hilsa and increase production. Legal action is being taken against those who catch, transport, store or sell hilsa in violation of the government-imposed ban.

The UNO said, “The upazila administration remains active in enforcing the government ban to protect mother hilsa. Legal action will be taken against anyone who catches fish in the river in violation of the restrictions. We urge fishermen and all concerned to follow government directives to protect hilsa breeding.”

Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Jayanta Kumar Apu said, “Operations to protect mother hilsa are continuing in the river. We urge fishermen to refrain from catching fish during the hilsa breeding season.”