25kg of Banned African Catfish Seized, Destroyed in Khagrachhari

Local administration seized approximately 25 kilograms of government-prohibited African catfish during a drive in the Nicher Bazar area of Khagrachhari town on Monday morning (July 27). The confiscated fish were subsequently buried underground under the supervision of a mobile court.

The operation was conducted by the Khagrachhari Sadar Upazila Administration following a tip-off, with active support from the Upazila Fisheries Office and local police personnel.

Khagrachhari Sadar Assistant Commissioner (Land) Nusrat Jabin confirmed that legal action was taken against the seller under the Fish Protection and Conservation Act, 1950. Authorities also issued strict warnings to nearby market traders against cultivating, transporting, or selling any prohibited aquatic species, including African catfish and piranhas.

Highlighting the ecological threat, Khagrachhari Sadar Upazila Fisheries Officer Sudristi Chakma explained that African catfish is an aggressive predatory species that destroys native fish populations and severely damages aquatic biodiversity. Due to these risks, the government officially banned the breeding, transport, and commercial sale of the species through the 2000 amendment of the Protection and Conservation of Fish Rules.

Khagrachhari Sadar Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Faria Sultana was present during the drive. Upazila officials reaffirmed that routine monitoring and enforcement drives will continue to protect indigenous fish resources and local ecosystems.