Forest guards arrested 27 fishermen with illegal fishing equipment from the eastern Sundarbans Dublar Char area on Thursday.

According to forest department sources, a team from Sharankhola Range of the Eastern Sundarbans Forest Division conducted a raid at the Dublar Char area and seized three fishing trawlers from the Meher Ali and Deporkhal areas.

Forest department also arrested 27 fishermen for illegal fishing and seized a large quantity of fishing nets and other equipment from the arrested fishermen.

The arrested are residents of Koyra in Khulna and Morelgonj and Mongla upazilas in Bagerhat. The arrested individuals, along with the trawlers and seized goods, have been handed over to the Alorkol Forest Patrol Outpost.

Confirming the incident, Sharankhola Range Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Rana Deb said that necessary action will be taken against the arrested fishermen under the Forest Act.

“Currently, there is a government ban on fishing and entry into the Sundarbans from June 1 to August 31. Anyone entering without permission during this period will face strict action according to the law." quoting the ACP.