Illegal Bamboo Dams in Padma River at Charbhadrasan: Administration Remains Silent

Despite clear legal prohibitions, at least three illegal bamboo dams have been built across the Padma River in the Char Jhaukanda and Char Mirzapur areas of Charbhadrasan Upazila under Faridpur district. Local influential groups have been operating these structures openly for over a month, continuing large-scale fishing activities in defiance of the law — while the administration remains largely inactive. Rampant Illegal Fishing On-site visits reveal three major bamboo dams: In front of the house of Afsar Molla in Alamgir Mollar village, Char Jhaukanda; Near Mojibar Fort in the brickyard area; and In the Mirzapur area. In addition to these,...

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Despite clear legal prohibitions, at least three illegal bamboo dams have been built across the Padma River in the Char Jhaukanda and Char Mirzapur areas of Charbhadrasan Upazila under Faridpur district. Local influential groups have been operating these structures openly for over a month, continuing large-scale fishing activities in defiance of the law — while the administration remains largely inactive.

Rampant Illegal Fishing

On-site visits reveal three major bamboo dams:

1. In front of the house of Afsar Molla in Alamgir Mollar village, Char Jhaukanda;

2. Near Mojibar Fort in the brickyard area; and

3. In the Mirzapur area.

In addition to these, dominant groups have constructed six to seven smaller enclosures for illegal fishing. Locals allege that these activities are carried out openly, showing complete disregard for the authorities.

Officials’ Silence

When approached, Char Jhaukanda Union Parishad Chairman Badruzzaman declined to give a clear response on the matter.

Faridpur Naval Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Nahid Hossain admitted awareness of the issue, stating that around three dams and several fishing enclosures were active in the area. He assured that action would be taken within the next couple of days, citing recent illness following the Ilisha operation as the reason for the delay.

Assurances from the Administration

The Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Charbhadrasan Upazila confirmed that legal steps would soon be taken against those involved in constructing illegal dams and fishing through fences in the Padma River.

Local residents, however, fear that unless strict action is enforced immediately, the uncontrolled fishing will continue to destroy native fish species and disrupt the river’s natural ecosystem.