TBM Report
In a bid to safeguard indigenous aquatic species and river biodiversity, a joint task force comprising the Jhalakathi Sadar Upazila Administration and the Department of Fisheries seized 22,000 meters of illegal fishing nets valued at Tk 2.5 lakh. The drive was executed on Thursday morning, July 23, 2026, along various stretches of the Basanda River. Following the seizure, the hazardous fishing gear was publicly incinerated to enforce compliance with national conservation statutes.
The drive was headed by Sadar Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Segufta Mehnaz alongside Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Sayyeda, with tactical security support provided by a contingent of the River Police. Official sources confirmed that the operation specifically targeted prohibited monofilament and trap nets that systematically destroy juvenile fish populations. The confiscated equipment included 10 destructive ‘China Duari’ traps spanning 4,000 meters and 2 massive ‘Badha’ nets measuring 18,000 meters in total length.
Following the riverine sweep, the confiscated netting materials were transported to the Gurudham area of Jhalakathi town, where they were reduced to ashes under administrative supervision. Fisheries officials highlighted that the widespread deployment of fine-mesh traps severely hampers natural spawning cycles and undermines sustainable river ecosystems across the southern delta region.
Reinforcing the administration’s stance, Upazila Executive Officer Segufta Mehnaz declared that strict monitoring will persist to eliminate harmful fishing practices completely. She affirmed that administrative operations under the Fish Protection and Conservation Act will continue seamlessly throughout the 2026–2027 fiscal year to deter illegal fishers and protect local aquatic resources.
