Shahinur Rahman Sona, Rajshahi

Members of the Adarsha Matsyajibi Samabay Samiti Limited, a cooperative of marginalised fishers from Dweeppur village in Bagmara upazila of Rajshahi, are living in constant fear after repeated attacks by local miscreants on the leased Bilsuti Beel (enclosed water body), threatening both their lives and livelihoods.

The attackers are reportedly demanding extortion, assaulting fishers, looting equipment, setting fire to agricultural machinery, and even issuing death threats if anyone dares to enter the beel. As a result, a tense and paralyzed atmosphere has taken hold in the area, leaving the fisherfolk’s lives and livelihoods at a standstill.

Following an application by the cooperative, the Ministry of Land leased the 432.24-acre Bilsuti Beel to the Adarsha Matsyajibi Samabay Samiti for six years—from the first day of Baishakh 1431 to the last day of Chaitra 1436 of the Bengali calendar—under a development project. The lease, finalised on August 17, 2023, was paid in full, amounting to Tk 50 lakh (including VAT and income tax) on February 7, 2024.

However, as the cooperative began its fish farming activities, local resident Zahedul Islam Bachchu allegedly demanded Tk 1 crore in extortion from the cooperative's president. After the demand was refused, on the night of April 17, 2025, around 30–35 armed men reportedly stormed the beel, netted around 400 maunds of fish—including rui, Japanese carp, silver carp, and others—worth approximately Tk 8 lakh, and took them away in shallow vehicles toward Atrai for sale.

The attackers also vandalised a water pump with iron rods, causing a loss of Tk 80,000. Fishers were unable to intervene due to the assailants being armed. Later, Sagor Ali, son of Akkas Mridha, allegedly set fire to the office room. Three others—Zafar Ali, Jamin Uddin, and Ershad—poured petrol to escalate the fire, which burned down vital documents, a motorcycle, and office furniture, resulting in an additional loss of Tk 1.5 lakh. Before the fire, Nazrul Islam allegedly stole Tk 51,000 from a drawer.

On April 22, the cooperative’s president, Islam Sardar, filed a complaint with Bagmara Police Station.

In response to the deteriorating situation, Bagmara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mahbubul Islam issued an official order on April 7, stipulating that no one except the leaseholders may enter the beel. The order also stated that the leaseholders must demarcate the area with nets and red flags and warned that violations would result in strict legal action.

Speaking to this correspondent, Islam Sardar said, “Despite the police and administration assuring us that our documents and legal standing are in order, the identified assailants are yet to be held accountable. This impunity is emboldening them. We are unable to enter the beel anymore. If we do, it could cost us our lives. We urge the authorities to ensure justice for the past attacks and provide immediate security so we can resume fishing—otherwise, we will starve.”

When contacted, accused Zahedul Islam Bachchu denied all allegations, calling them "false and fabricated." He said, “We demand a proper investigation. If we are guilty, we accept punishment, but if the case is proven false, we want action against those who filed it.”

Bagmara Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Touhidul Islam confirmed that a case has been recorded and attempts are underway to arrest the accused.

UNO Mahbubul Islam acknowledged the issue as a long-standing one. “We have repeatedly mediated between the parties. A written directive was issued after a meeting with army representatives, the OC, and local dignitaries on April 7. We remain alert to prevent any further untoward incidents,” he added.