Khulna Fisheries Drive: Traders Fined, 1 Lakh Illegally Caught Fry Released

To protect local fishery resources and ensure the safety of seafood, a mobile court conducted a day-long anti-adulteration drive across the Shibbati, Minhaj Bazar, and Garikhali areas of Paikgachha, Khulna, on Tuesday (June 16).

Led by Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Saikat Mallick, the court fined two traders a total of Tk 8,000 for processing and selling shrimp in unhygienic conditions, a direct violation of the Fish and Fishery Products Inspection and Quality Control Act.

During the operation, authorities also seized approximately 1 lakh illegally netted river fish fry. In accordance with the Fisheries Protection and Conservation Act, the seized fry were immediately released back into the river in the presence of local residents.

Officer Mallick stated that the Upazila Fisheries Department will maintain a zero-tolerance policy against illegal fishing practices and shrimp adulteration.

Field Assistant Ranbir Sarkar and a Bangladesh River Police team, led by Shibbati Naval Outpost In-Charge SI Rabiul Islam, assisted the operation. The Fisheries Department confirmed that regular market monitoring will continue to prevent traders from injecting harmful substances into shrimp and to ensure food safety for consumers.