Satkhira, Apr 16 (V7N) – The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has been accused of crossing into Bangladeshi territory and confiscating three boats and fishing nets belonging to local fishermen in the Ulokhali Char area of the Kalindi River, along the Bangladesh-India border in the Sundarbans Satkhira Range.

The incident occurred on Tuesday evening (April 15) while fishermen were operating inside Bangladesh's maritime boundary with proper permits. The affected fishermen have been identified as Ramzan Ali (son of Mohammad), Shahajan Ali (son of Farez Gazi), Shahajan Gazi, Ataur Gazi (son of Syed Gazi), Keramat of Manikpur village, and Nur Mohammad of Koikhali.

Ramzan Ali recounted that eight fishermen had ventured out in three boats on April 10 after obtaining permission from the Koikhali Forest Station. While fishing near Ulokhali char, BSF personnel arrived in a speedboat and allegedly began beating the boats with sticks before forcing the fishermen off and seizing all three boats along with their nets. The fishermen had to make their way back home through the Sundarbans forest and were later rescued by fellow fishermen on Wednesday morning (April 16).

Abdul Hamid Laltu, a member of the Ramjannagar Union Parishad, confirmed the return of all fishermen and condemned the BSF’s actions as unjustified.

Abdus Salam, officer at the Koikhali Forest Station, stated that the fishermen had valid permits and confirmed the seizure by BSF. He added that the fishermen have been asked to report to the station for further inquiry.

Meanwhile, Mashiur Rahman, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Sundarbans Satkhira Range, said that the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been informed and will raise the issue with the BSF once a formal complaint is submitted in writing.

END/MSS/AJ