Four forest-law cases have been filed following a week of raids targeting illegal fishing and prohibited equipment across different areas of the Sundarbans.
A Smart Patrol team in Bangladesh’s Sundarbans seized six boats along with large quantities of fish, crabs and illegally used fishing equipment during regular raids over the past week, the forest department said.
Four cases under forest laws have been filed in connection with the seizures, according to forest department sources.
During patrols in different areas of the Sundarbans from September 7 to 13, the Satkhira-1 Smart Patrol team seized six boats, one oar, four poles, 250 metres of don-dori rope, 100 atons, 45 kilogrammes of crabs, two kol nets and approximately 150 kilogrammes of white fish, the sources said.
The team also recovered two drums, pots and pans, two cockssets and six plastic baskets.
The seized white fish and crabs were sold at auction on the court premises, the forest department said.
Officials said the Smart Patrol team’s operations had strengthened efforts against the illegal collection of fish and crabs and the use of prohibited equipment in the Sundarbans.
Erfan Uddin, station officer of the Burigoalini Forest Station, confirmed the seizures and said regular patrols and raids were continuing to protect the Sundarbans’ biodiversity and forest resources.
Legal action will be taken against those who violate forest laws, he said.
