Despite the 22-day ban from October 7 to prevent Hilsa breeding, Hilsa fishing is going on in the Tentulia river of Bauphal. Hilsa hunting is going on freely in this hilsa shelter center. A class of unscrupulous fishermen have indulged in killing Hilsa. The Naval Police is not conducting any actual operation. Allegations have been made that unscrupulous naval policemen are selling fishing opportunities and salvaged nets to fishermen with unethical benefits.
On investigation, it is known that fishermen are freely hunting Hilsa with small boats and medium engine powered trawlers in the 40 km area of Tentulia River from the head of Baghi canal in Kalaia union of Bauphal to the end of Dhulia in the north. Minor children are brought into the river for fishing. Charkalaiya, Shoula and Bagi of Kalaiya, Bara Dalima of Nazirpur Union, Kachua, Dhandi, Nimdi, Tanterkathi, Mominpur of Keshabpur Union, Bharipasha, Dhulia Launchghat of Dhulia Union, factories of Mathbaria and Kachipara Union and the river banks of Bachrah are being sold openly. 1 kg of Hilsa is being sold at 600 to 700 taka.
According to reliable sources, there are some brokers including two drivers of the speedboat used in the naval police operation. The fishermen give 10,000 per boat to the naval police through those brokers. Those who pay money to the naval police hunt Hilsa in the river without hindrance. On the other hand, the police are also harassing ordinary fishermen.
Several fishermen said on condition of anonymity, "We did not go down to the river at the beginning of the siege. But by managing the naval police, some fishermen catch fish. That is why we are going down to the river. Naval police do not catch those from whom they have taken money. Takes more action on us.
According to another source, the illegal current nets recovered during the operation of the naval police to protect Hilsa are supposed to be burned and destroyed according to the law, but only some of the burnt ones are sold to the fishermen. Swapan, the speedboat driver of the naval police, works to store and sell these fakes. These fakes are sold from 2-3 thousand taka to 15 thousand taka.
A fisherman who bought the net said, Swapan drives the police speedboat. The net recovered in the raid stays in his house. Swapan sells those fakes at different prices. I am buying fake for 3 thousand Tk.
On the same day, Swapan sold nets to some fishermen in Chandradwip.
Kalaiya naval police outpost in charge. Lutfar Rahman said, "Action will be taken if there is any evidence of the involvement of the naval police."
Upazila senior fisheries officer said. Mahbubu Alam said, "Fisheries Department is in strict position to protect Hilsa. Apart from this, the fisheries department will not take responsibility if any other department commits irregularities.
