Illegal Fishing Barriers Threaten Fish Stocks in Arial Khan River at Katiadi and Monohardi

At least 18–20 illegal fishing-net barriers have been installed along a 3–4-kilometre stretch of the Arial Khan River, which runs along the border between Katiadi upazila in Kishoreganj and Monohardi upazila in Narsingdi.

The barriers stretch across the river from one bank to the other, disrupting the natural movement and breeding of fish. Small fish and various aquatic animals are getting trapped in the nets. The barriers are also obstructing waterway traffic.

A field visit found that the barriers had been built using raised structures made of bamboo, wood and bamboo fencing, with current nets installed across the river. Except for the sections covered by the nets, the passage available for fish has been almost entirely blocked in some places. In several locations, current nets stretch from one bank to the other. Along with native fish species, various aquatic animals are also being caught.

Local residents allege that the nets trap fish of all sizes, from small to large. This is disrupting fish reproduction and reducing populations of native species. The barriers are also forcing cargo vessels to remain stranded in the river.

Katiadi Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Mohammad Kawsar Mia said action would be taken after looking into the matter. Meanwhile, Monohardi Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Mohammad Rafi Afroz Soni said he had heard about the installation of new net barriers at several locations and that steps would be taken soon.

Katiadi Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shamima Afroz Marliz said installing net barriers across a flowing river was prohibited by law. She added that an operation would be conducted if illegal barriers were found. Monohardi UNO Mahmudul Hasan said the matter was being investigated seriously and legal action would be taken if the allegations were confirmed.