Chatmohar, Nov 13 (V7N) — Several influential locals have been accused of forced fishing in the Bothhar Mauza reservoir of Chatmohar Upazila, with landowners claiming they face threats when attempting to intervene. In response, affected landowners have submitted a written complaint to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), seeking intervention.

According to the complaint, land in Bothhar Mauza, privately owned by residents of Natabaria and Dhankunia villages, accumulates water during the monsoon, creating a reservoir used for fishing. For years, individuals led by Manik Pramanik and Dhunai Pramanik, residents of Dhankuniya, have fished in these waters and provided payments to landowners. These payments were donated to local mosques, including Dhankuniya Idgah Jame Masjid and Natabaria Jame Masjid.

However, landowners allege that for the past six years, under the current Awami League administration's influence, the accused have been fishing without any payment, either to the landowners or the mosques. Attempts by landowners to assert their rights, they claim, have been met with death threats from the accused, causing heightened tensions in the area and fears of a potential clash.

In his response, accused Manik Pramanik denied the allegations, asserting that they fish with approval from those leasing the reservoir. "The claims of forced fishing are baseless," he stated. "We have coordinated with the leaseholders and even contributed to the mosques in previous years. Only one payment was missed due to my incarceration. We are now trying to resolve the matter amicably."

Dhankuniya Idgah Jame Masjid President SM Shahjahan confirmed the landowners' contribution of Tk 60,000 annually for fishing rights, later reduced to Tk 30,000. However, he noted, “No funds have been received for the past three years due to ongoing disputes. This situation is harming the mosque’s finances, and we are open to a resolution through dialogue.”

Chatmohar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Reduanul Halim stated, “I have not yet received the complaint. Once it is filed, we will conduct an investigation and take appropriate action based on the findings.”

The local community awaits a resolution, hoping for fair access to the reservoir’s resources and restoration of peace in the area.

END/SR/AJ