10 fishermen jailed

Ten fishermen were jailed by a mobile court for a year in Chandpur on Thursday for catching hilsa flouting the ongoing fishing ban.

The mobile court led by Chandpur Sadar Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Helal Uddin Chowdhury handed down the verdict.

Chandpur Sadar Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Sudip Bhattacharya said they detained the fishermen conducting a drive in the Meghna River in the early hours of the day.

The seized nets were destroyed by setting fire and the two trawlers were kept under the custody of the Coast Guard and the Fisheries Department, the officer said.

The 22-day Hilsa ban took effect on Sunday midnight aimed at ensuring the safe spawning of the popular fish during its peak breeding period. The ban will remain in place till October 25.