The High Court has ordered a judicial inquiry into the disappearance of ilish fish worth approximately Tk94 lakh purchased by traders from Char Fasson in Bhola, directing the investigation committee to submit a report within 30 days.
A High Court bench comprising Justice Khijir Ahmed Chowdhury and Justice Md Ziaul Haque issued the order on Monday after a preliminary hearing on a writ petition. Deputy Attorney General Md Faruk Hossain represented the state, while lawyer Siddiq Ullah Mia argued for the petitioner.
The writ was filed based on a media report that ilish worth crores of taka, legally purchased by traders from Char Fasson, was seized while being transported to Dhaka on 12 May. Despite having a valid transport permit, 10,140kg of ilish fish were seized, valued at Tk94,02,784.
Later, allegations surfaced that most of the fish were looted in the name of distributing some to madrasas and orphanages. It was also alleged that a portion was taken to Barishal and sold, with the money embezzled.
Allegations have been made that no formal seizure list or judicial order was prepared by the Coast Guard or concerned authorities before the consignment was made to disappear or was disposed of.
The writ sought remedy against such unlawful actions and also demanded compensation of Tk1,12,83,340, including 20 percent interest on the value of the fish.
The court also issued a rule along with the order. The investigation committee has been directed to be formed under the leadership of a judge not below the rank of Additional District and Sessions Judge, the petitioner’s lawyer said.
