A clash between a team conducting an Ilish (hilsa) conservation operation and a group of fishermen occurred at the Kalabadar River in Barisal, resulting in three fishermen being injured by gunfire.
The incident took place on Saturday, October 18, around 5:30 pm. According to Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Mohammad Azharul Islam, the operation was part of the regular Ilish conservation efforts led by the Barisal District Fisheries Officer Ripon Kanti Ghosh, along with Senior Fisheries Officer Mohammad Jamal Hossain from the Sadar Upazila, and three speedboats.
During the operation, the team spotted a fishing boat laying nets in the river and pursued it. The fishermen attempted to flee. After a short time, as the team was recovering the nets, a group of 50-60 fishermen in 7-8 boats armed with sticks and bricks launched a violent attack on the team. They aggressively threw bricks at the operation team, injuring speedboat driver Mamun.
In response, the team ordered Battalion Ansar members to fire in self-defense. The Ansar fired 18 rounds of rubber bullets and 2 rounds of lead bullets. Several fishermen were reportedly injured in the gunfire, causing them to flee the scene.
Azharul Islam confirmed that one of the injured fishermen was reported to have been admitted to the Muladi Upazila Health Complex, though the exact number of injured remains uncertain. He also mentioned that the Fisheries Department has been advised to investigate the incident and take legal action.
Senior Fisheries Officer Mohammad Jamal Hossain from Sadar Upazila noted that they could not identify the attackers and, therefore, no legal action has been taken at this stage.
The authorities have assured that a full investigation will follow, and further legal procedures will be pursued.
