Manjur Morshed Tuhin, Patuakhali

A clash between two groups took place in the deep sea over netting at Kalapara in Patuakhali on Wednesday.

Three fishermen were injured. One of them is receiving first aid. The remaining two have been sent to Barishal Sher -e-Bangla Hospital for advanced treatment.

This incident took place in the Charbijoy area deep in the Bay of Bengal near Kuakata around 10 pm on Sunday (January 12). The injured fishermen are - Md. Nasir (34) and Majhi Ilyas Fakir (31). Both of them are residents of Mombipara area. They have been sent to Barisal. Another injured fisherman. Malek (50) is at home receiving first aid.

According to the sources of the injured fisherman and Artaddar, hundreds of trawlers led by Sobhan Majhi of Nizampur area of the upazila went fishing with Behundi nets that were illegally wandering in the sea. Some of these nets are thrown over the hilsa nets buried by the injured fishermen of the Gangamati area.

It damages the hilsa net. Later, during an argument about it, a group of about 15-20 people from 7 trawlers led by Sobhan Majhi attacked them and sank the fishing trawler and the fishermen were thrown into the sea. Later they came ashore with the help of another trawler.

Injured fisherman Ilyas Fakir said, if they destroy our net, we call them and come to the shore to offer a solution. They initially agreed but then suddenly attacked. My nose and forehead burst. Later I went from Droller. Then my brother lifted another trawler from below. We want a fair trial.

Kuakata Mayor and President of Artada expressed his anger about the matter. A. Rahim Khan said, they roam the entire sea with illegal behundi nets. They also harm legitimate hilsa fishermen. They attacked fishermen. If it is not reined in, it can lead to bigger accidents at sea. We are drawing the attention of the administration.

Kalapara Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Apu Saha said that if the injured fishermen take legal recourse, the naval police will look into the matter. Apart from this, we will take all necessary measures to stop this illegal network.

In charge of Kuakata naval police outpost. Delwar Hossain said, we are aware of the matter. However, if the injured take recourse to the law, then I will look into the matter seriously.