A total of 300 illegal fish-trapping devices, locally known as “Dohar,” were seized and destroyed by fire in Muksudpur upazila of Gopalganj as part of efforts to protect the country's fisheries resources and prevent illegal fishing activities.
The operation took place on Sunday (June 21) at around 11:00 AM, when the prohibited fishing devices were intercepted in front of Muksudpur Police Station after being transported from Magura District to Muksudpur.
Following the seizure, the confiscated items were handed over to Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Md. Azizul Islam. The matter was subsequently reported to Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Abirul Islam, who directed that the illegal fishing equipment be destroyed. In accordance with his instructions, all seized Dohars were later burned publicly.
According to relevant sources, the estimated market value of the destroyed 300 Dohars was between Tk 50,000 and Tk 60,000. Fisheries officials stated that these devices are prohibited under the country's existing fisheries laws due to their harmful impact on aquatic ecosystems.
The use of such fishing gear facilitates indiscriminate harvesting of fish, including juvenile and breeding fish, which negatively affects natural fish reproduction and poses a serious threat to the conservation of indigenous fish species and overall fisheries resources.
Sources further revealed that the seized Dohars belonged to Musa, a resident of Mohammadpur Upazila in Magura District. However, he was not present at the scene during the operation. Meanwhile, Abdur Rahman, the van driver responsible for transporting the goods, was questioned by authorities and later released after initial inquiries.
Officials from the Department of Fisheries emphasized that similar enforcement drives will continue across the region to safeguard fisheries resources, ensure safe breeding of fish, and curb illegal fishing practices. They warned that strict legal action will be taken against individuals involved in the use, transportation, or trade of prohibited fishing equipment.
The Fisheries Department believes that strengthening law enforcement and raising public awareness about the harmful effects of illegal fishing gear will play a vital role in preserving the country's aquatic biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable development of the fisheries sector.
