Tk 20.52b nets, 2.09m tonnes Hilsha \\\'seized in 8 days\\\'

Current nets worth Tk 20.52 billion and 2.09 million tonnes of Hilsha were seized in eight days since the 11-day ban on catching, selling and transportation of Hilsha began on October 5, said Fisheries and Livestock Minister Muhammed Sayedul Hoque on Monday.

During the period, a total of 708 mobile courts also fined fishermen Tk 2.52 million in different parts of country, he said.

The minister came up with the information while talking to reporters after a meeting with members of Coast Guard, Border Guard Bangladesh, River Police and officials concerned of the Fisheries Ministry in the city on Monday, reports UNB.

The government has imposed an 11-day ban on catching, selling and transportation of Hilsha from October 5-15 across the country to ensure safe spawning and protect mother fish, said the minister.

But some dishonest people have been engaged in catching, selling and transporting Hilsha defying the ban. So, the government has taken action in different parts of the country with the help of law enforcement agencies, he said.

The ministry sources said a total of 708 mobile courts were conducting drives in seven divisions of the country. About 2.09 million tonnes of Hilsha and nets worth Tk 20.52 billion were seized while 565 fishermen were arrested and fined Tk 2.52 million during the drives across the country.

The minister said the seized Hilsha were distributed among different orphanages while the seized nets were destroyed.

The law enforcers have been directed to detain those who are staying in the deep sea for catching fish, defying the ban while returning through Kanraphuli and several points, the minister said.