Bangladesh Coast Guard Launches Strict Operation Against Illegal Trawling in the Karnaphuli River Indian National Pandit Biswas Arrested with Banned Trawling Nets and Equipment Worth Tk 3.6 Million

Md. Kamal Uddin    |    ০৭:০৮ পিএম, ২০২৬-০১-০৮

Chattogram | Biplob Bijoy
Bangladesh Coast Guard has carried out a major operation against illegal artisanal trawling activities in areas adjacent to the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram. During the operation, an Indian national identified as Pandit Biswas—the principal technician behind the installation of banned trawling equipment—along with six Bangladeshi technicians, was arrested. The Coast Guard also seized 12 illegal trawling nets and net-making equipment worth approximately Tk 3.6 million. According to the Coast Guard, since its inception the force has been working tirelessly to ensure security across Bangladesh’s vast maritime boundary, coastal regions, and riverine areas. In addition, it regularly conducts operations to protect fisheries resources, improve the livelihoods of fishermen, and prevent the expansion of illegal trawling activities. Recently, an unscrupulous syndicate, driven by excessive profit motives, has been defying government restrictions by installing illegal trawling equipment and small-mesh behundi nets on wooden fishing boats, converting them into so-called artisanal trawlers. These small-mesh nets indiscriminately destroy fish larvae, egg-bearing mother fish, and natural fish feed in both deep and shallow waters. As a result, fish reproduction has declined alarmingly over the past four years, placing traditional fishermen at serious risk of losing their livelihoods. Based on confidential intelligence, the Coast Guard learned that banned artisanal trawling gear and nets were being manufactured at a factory located in the Char Patharghata area under Karnaphuli Police Station. Acting on this information, a special operation was conducted at around 6:00 PM on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, led by Bangladesh Coast Guard Base Chattogram.  During the raid, Coast Guard personnel searched the factory and seized 12 illegal trawling nets and various net-making tools worth an estimated Tk 3.6 million. At the same time, Pandit Biswas (39)—the chief technician behind the production of illegal trawling nets—and six Bangladeshi associates were arrested. Pandit Biswas is a resident of South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal, India. Preliminary interrogation revealed that he had been working in Bangladesh for an extended period as the main technician responsible for installing banned artisanal trawling equipment and manufacturing illegal trawling nets on fishing boats. He most recently entered Bangladesh on a travel visa on 27 November 2025. Coast Guard sources further stated that Biswas had previously entered Bangladesh multiple times through the Bhomra land port in Satkhira and worked in areas including Patharghata in Barguna and Banshkhali in Chattogram. He was reportedly involved in installing illegal trawling gear and producing nets for fishing vessels operated by Masum Company, Shukkur Company, Ismail, and Jahangir Company. These activities significantly contributed to the rapid spread of illegal trawling boats and nets across coastal and marine regions. It is noteworthy that Pandit Biswas was earlier arrested and sent to jail on 12 August 2025 in a joint operation conducted by the Coast Guard and the Bangladesh Army. However, due to the influence and direct intervention of certain illegal trawling net traders and a few establishments in Banshkhali, Chattogram, he was released on bail within a short period. After securing bail, he reportedly resumed illegal trawling equipment installation and net manufacturing activities on an even larger scale across various regions of the country. The Coast Guard also informed that, as a result of the ongoing crackdown on artisanal trawling boats, owners of several related establishments are currently in hiding. Intelligence surveillance has been intensified, and further operations are ongoing. Legal proceedings against the arrested individuals are currently underway, and the seized equipment has been placed under official custody. The Bangladesh Coast Guard reaffirmed its commitment to continuing strict enforcement operations in the future to protect fisheries resources, conserve marine biodiversity, and safeguard the livelihoods of traditional fishermen.