Md. Tanju Ahmed, Raypur: 11 fishermen were arrested by a mobile task force for illegally catching jatka hilsa (juvenile hilsa) in the Meghna River sanctuary area, violating government restrictions in Raypur Upazila of Laxmipur.The fishermen were caught during a special operation on Wednesday (April 1) evening along various parts of the riverbank in the upazila. Later, a mobile court fined 9 of the fishermen 5,000 BDT each, totaling 45,000 BDT. The remaining two, being minors, were released after giving a written assurance.The punishment was administered by the Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Nigar Sultana.Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Md. Mahfuzul Hasnain stated that the operation covered areas in the North and South Charbanshi Union, including Saju Molla’s Fish Ghat, Altaf Master Ghat, Switchgate, Rahul Ghat, and Tunu Char. During the operation, 11 fishermen were caught red-handed while catching jatka.Authorities seized nearly 70 kg of jatka, about 3,000 meters of illegal electric nets, and three fishing boats. The confiscated jatka was distributed to a local orphanage, and the illegal nets were destroyed by burning.The fined fishermen are: Md. Delowar (65), Md. Alauddin (49), Ruhul Amin Molla (50), Rajib Hossain (35), Md. Shahin (16), Delowar (23), Saiful Islam (25), Md. Robiul (22), and Zakir Gorani (35). All are residents of Chortarbasunia village in Hijla Upazila, Barisal. Additionally, Md. Solaiman (15) and Md. Rabbi (14), being minors, were released on written assurance. It is worth noting that the government has declared a sanctuary along about 70 km of the Padma and Meghna rivers in Laxmipur Sadar, Raypur, and Chandpur districts during March and April to protect jatka. During this period, all forms of fishing, transportation, storage, and sale of hilsa in these areas are completely prohibited.