The Bangladesh Coast Guard arrested seven individuals, including an Indian national, on Wednesday night for their roles in manufacturing and installing banned trawling equipment in Chattogram.
Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq confirmed the arrests on Thursday, identifying the lead craftsman as Pandit Biswas, 39, from West Bengal, India. Six Bangladeshi craftsmen were also taken into custody during the operation in the Char Patharghata area, under the Karnaphuli police station.
Acting on intelligence, authorities raided a factory where they seized 12 illegal trawling nets and specialized equipment valued at approximately 36Lakh taka ($30,000 USD).
According to officials, Biswas entered Bangladesh on a tourist visa in late November. Investigation revealed he is a repeat offender who has previously worked with various local companies to install prohibited gear on fishing vessels. Although previously arrested in August, Biswas was released on bail shortly after and allegedly resumed his illegal activities on a larger scale.
"Unscrupulous businessmen are violating government restrictions to increase profits," said Lt. Cmdr. Siam-ul-Haq. "These small-mesh nets trap mother fish and destroy natural food sources, causing fish reproduction to decline alarmingly over the last four years."
The Coast Guard stated that the use of this banned equipment is driving local, law-abiding fishermen into unemployment. While the primary suspects are in custody, several company owners connected to the factory remain in hiding. Legal proceedings against the arrested individuals are currently underway.
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