Shrimp fries are caught and deposited in the pond in drums and nets | Photo: TDM
In violation of government instructions hundreds of people have been reportedly involved in collecting shrimp fries indiscriminately in the River Meghna in the coastal area of Chandpur. These also causing enormous damage to marine resources as well as the aquatic biodiversity of the area.
Such collecting goes on unabated in the area of Chandpur Sadar Upazila of Hanarchar and Chandra Union during night to early morning.
Those prawns fries are being smuggled to Khulna and Satkhira districts under the watchful eye of the administration as they are busy with Jatka protection operations.
Around 11 pm on Sunday in the Meghna river coastal Bakharpur cluster village of that area, about half a hundred fishermen from Satkhira district engaged in catching prawns were seen. They came to this cluster village for two months and took shelter in several government houses. Some groups are staying in tents under the open sky.
Shrimp fries are caught and deposited in the pond in drums and nets. Tajul Islam, a resident of the shelter project, and Shah Alam, a local resident, are assisting them in this work. It is alleged that some people including Shah Alam and Tajul Islam gave them shelter here in exchange of money.
In this regard, Tajul Islam and Shah Alam told The Daily Messenger that even if we don't give them shelter, they will somehow catch the prawn fry in collaboration with the law enforcement agencies. We have no financial benefit from them. Those who say it is a lie.
Chandpur Sadar Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer, Tanzimur Islam told The Daily Messenger that any fishing during the ban is completely prohibited. Action will be taken soon against those who are catching shrimp fries.
TDM/MI
