A mobile court has sentenced a man to one year of rigorous imprisonment for stockpiling banned piranha fish at Paschim Bazar in Moulvibazar town. The operation was conducted on Monday morning by Moulvibazar Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Taj Uddin.

Acting on a tip-off, the mobile court raided ‘Apurbo Fish Market’ located in Paschim Bazar. During the operation, a large quantity of government-banned piranha fish was found stockpiled at the market. Md. Titu Mia (52) was arrested red-handed during the raid. He confessed to the crime and was subsequently sentenced to one year of rigorous imprisonment for violating Section 3 of the Fisheries Protection and Conservation Act, 1950.

It is reported that Titu Mia had been selling banned fish through this market for a long time. Approximately 258 kg of piranha fish, ready for sale, were seized from the market during the operation. UNO Taj Uddin stated that such fish pose a threat to the environment and other species, as piranha are highly aggressive and can decimate other fish if released into natural environments.

He further added, “Our campaign against the marketing or preservation of banned fish will continue. No concessions will be made to ensure safe food for the public.”

The Upazila Fisheries Officer stated that the seized fish are in the process of being destroyed or disposed of according to regulations. Local residents have welcomed this initiative by the administration.