A mobile court in Chandpur has sentenced 15 fishermen to jail terms ranging from 15 days to three months for catching jatka in violation of the ongoing fishing ban in the Padma–Meghna sanctuary area.
The Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh Coast Guard and River Police conducted a joint drive in the sanctuary area of Sadar upazila on Thursday afternoon, said Assistant Fisheries Officer Md Mizanur Rahman.
During the operation, officials detained 22 fishermen while they were catching hilsa fry in violation of the ban. Authorities also seized five illegal current nets and five fishing boats.
Out of the detainees, a mobile court sentenced 15 fishermen to different jail terms. Some were also fined.
Six of the detainees were released after signing undertakings as they were minors. Another sick fisherman was released after paying Tk 500 as fine.
Later, the convicted fishermen were sent to jail, said Inspector (Investigation) of Chandpur Sadar Model Police Station Mintu Dutta.
