Mobile court in Natore destroys illegal nets and fines individual

A mobile court drive was conducted in the Haltibil Patul area under Naldanga Upazila in Natore, Bangladesh, to crack down on illegal fishing practices involving juvenile fish. The operation, which took place on August 26, 2025, aimed to enforce strict regulations regarding aquatic protection and the preservation of local water bodies within the region.

The mobile court was officially led by Md. Shamim Hossain, who serves as the Naldanga Upazila Assistant Commissioner for Land and Executive Magistrate. His administrative authority directed the ground operations in coordination with local law enforcement and administrative bodies to ensure the enforcement of environmental and fisheries protection protocols.

During the course of the rigorous sweep across the Haltibil Patul area, enforcement teams confiscated a significant quantity of prohibited fishing gear. Specifically, the operation resulted in the seizure of 57 China duari nets and 500 feet of bandhai nets, alongside one operational boat that was confiscated from the site.

The total estimated value of the seized illegal nets amounted to 221,000 taka. In accordance with established legal procedures, the entirety of the confiscated gear—including the 57 China duari nets and the 500 feet of bandhai nets—was subsequently burned and completely destroyed at the location to prevent any future use.

Legal action was taken against an individual identified as Md. Mithu Mondal for violating established regulations. Under Section 5 of the Protection and Conservation of Fish Act, 1950, Magistrate Md. Shamim Hossain fined Md. Mithu Mondal 20,000 taka and additionally secured a formal written bond from him.

The successful execution of the mobile court drive involved collaborative support from various local entities. Personnel from the Naldanga Upazila Administration, the Naldanga Police Station, the Upazila Fisheries Office, and the Ansar auxiliary force actively participated in the operation to maintain order and enforce the law.