24 fishermen jailed after lighterage workers warn of vessel stoppage at Chattogram Port
Union sets 17 August deadline to clear routes.
A Chattogram Port mobile court today (12 August) sentenced 24 fishermen to one month each in jail for setting fishing nets in prohibited waterways, in the first official crackdown after lighterage workers warned that vessel movement could stop from 17 August.
Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) Executive Magistrate Sadia Afrin Kochi said fishing nets were obstructing vessel movement in the port and navigation channels.
She said the authority would continue its operations and maintain "zero tolerance" against any activity obstructing navigation.
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Setting fishing nets is prohibited in the port channel and outer anchorage, according to CPA officials.
The operation followed a letter sent by the Bangladesh Lighterage Sramik Union to the CPA chairman on 10 August, warning that workers could stop vessel movement if nets were not removed from several routes by 17 August.
It identified Patenga Jelepara–Parki Beach and Alpha Anchorage–Kutubdia, which fall within the port limits, and the Sea Beach–Bhasanchar navigation channel as affected routes.
Nets pose navigation risks
Ship owners and operators said fishing nets have increasingly disrupted vessel movement along the approaches to Chattogram Port.
They said nets can become entangled with vessel propellers, forcing vessels to stop and creating accident risks for both mother vessels and lighter vessels.
The risk becomes particularly serious at night, when navigation is more difficult, they said.
Bangladesh Water Transport Coordination Cell Spokesperson Parvez Ahmed earlier called for regular removal of the nets and permanent demarcation of shipping lanes with navigational buoys.
CPA Executive Magistrate Sadia Afrin Kochi said fishing nets obstruct the movement of both lighter and mother vessels.
"That is why today's [Wednesday] operation was conducted," she said.
The union also raised similar concerns over nets becoming entangled with vessel propellers and posing risks to vessels and crews.
It also alleged that fishermen sometimes attack vessels when their nets become caught in propellers.
According to the union, fishermen boarded AV Umme Kulsum-10 on 10 August after the vessel sailed from Chattogram outer anchorage and attacked it with machetes and other sharp weapons while throwing stones.
The union further alleged that fishermen from Bhasanchar recently took away the master of one vessel and the helmsman of another. They were later rescued with the help of local residents, it claimed.
Such incidents had caused "extreme anger and dissatisfaction" among vessel crews, the union said.
Union says previous measures fell short
It said it had previously written to the port authority on 7 August 2025, 17 August 2025 and 20 July this year seeking action against fishing nets placed in navigation channels.
The union alleged that earlier measures had failed to resolve the problem.
It has given the authorities until 17 August to clear the identified routes.
"If the nets are not removed from the mentioned locations by 17 August 2026 and the workers become agitated and stop vessel movement, your authority will bear the responsibility," the letter said.
The union also said workers and labour leaders should not be held responsible if vessel movement is halted.
CPA officials confirmed that the port authority, Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard have begun regular operations to remove fishing nets and keep vessel routes clear.
