CHANDPUR, April 16, 2026 (BSS) - A mobile court sentenced nine fishermen to different terms of imprisonment for catching juvenile hilsa (jatka) in the Padma-Meghna river sanctuary area in violation of government restrictions.

A total of 16 fishermen were detained during a joint task force operation conducted from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm today.

Of them, nine were sentenced to jail terms, while the remaining seven were released on bond as they were minors.

Chandpur Sadar Upazila Assistant Fisheries Officer Md Mizanur Rahman confirmed the information this evening.

The fishermen who were sentenced to imprisonment are Billal Hossain, 35; Jalil, 18; Yasin, 36; Hekmat Ali, 25; Rahmat Ullah, 30; Abul Bashar Gazi, 45; Md Jahid, 18; Md Soleman Gazi, 18; and Rabiul, 18. They are residents of different areas in Shariatpur district.

During the drive, the joint team seized and destroyed four engine-fitted wooden boats, one behundi net, and about 10,000 metres of current nets.

The operation was conducted jointly by fisheries officials, a mobile court led by Executive Magistrate Tanvir Rabbi, Coast Guard personnel and naval police.

The mobile court handed down different sentences: two fishermen were sentenced to three months' imprisonment and fined Tk 500 each; three received one month's imprisonment and a fine of Tk 500 each; three were sentenced to 15 days' imprisonment and fined Tk 200 each; and one was given 15 days' imprisonment with a fine of Tk 500.