Saiful Islam, Baufal Correspondent
About 14 tons of hilsa were seized in a raid on three Dhaka-bound passenger buses in Bauphal upazila of Patuakhali. Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Saiful Islam conducted the raid in front of the TNT office in the municipal town at around 12 midnight yesterday (Wednesday). The seized buses are Moon Paribahan, Antara Paribahan and Dolphin Paribahan. However, no punishment or fine was imposed against the bus companies even though the jatkas were seized.
Local passengers said that six bus companies, Chairman, Kings, Antara, Moon, Dolphin and Baufal Express, regularly travel to Dhaka from Galachipa, Dashmina and Baufal upazilas of Patuakhali. The night buses transport a huge amount of fish every day, which makes the passengers uncomfortable due to the smell. Passengers have expressed their anger on social media over this. Even though the bus companies have been warned and fined for transporting fish before, they have continued to transport fish regularly.
Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Saiful Islam said, based on confidential information, it was learned that 5-6 inch sized jatka hilsa was being smuggled to Dhaka in four buses leaving from Galachipa. Later, three buses were seized in a raid and about 14 drums filled with jatka were seized, which is approximately 14 maunds. Since the buses were seized for the first time, they have been warned. If the same allegations are proven later, legal action will be taken against the transporters after discussing with the upazila and district administration.
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