Defying government restrictions, unscrupulous fishermen are indiscriminately catching mother hilsha in the Padma River in Ishwardi, Pabna, deep into the night. Taking advantage of the fact that responsible officials do not conduct nighttime operations due to security concerns, rogue fishermen have been illegally casting current nets in the Padma River to catch mother hilsha freely. Allegations have been raised that unscrupulous fishermen are engaged in this illegal fishing with the direct or indirect complicity of the river police.

They are very secretly selling these mother hilsha on a mobile basis right on the banks of the Padma. From morning until late midnight, buyers coming from far and wide are crowding various areas along the riverbank to purchase the fish. Locals have expressed strong apprehension that this could severely impact the breeding of hilsha in the current season.

Fearing attacks by rogue fishermen, fishery officials also feel quite helpless in repeatedly carrying out drives. However, the Ishwardi Upazila administration has stated that regular punitive measures are being taken against dishonest fishermen through mobile courts to protect mother hilsha.

An investigative on-site report reveals that hilsha fishing has not stopped despite the 22-day ban. Rogue fishermen cast nets in the Padma day and night and have set up hilsha "markets" right on the riverbank. Although the administration occasionally conducts operations, sales of mother hilsha continue openly from morning until late midnight. According to sources, hilsha fishing does not take place during the day; instead, it starts as evening falls and continues until dawn.

On-site visits revealed that temporary markets for mother hilsha are being set up daily at various points on both sides of the river, including Hothatpara in Pakshi, Sara 5 No. Ghat, Arambaria Shamshan Ghat, Sheker Chok Ghat, Arambaria School Ghat, and 3 Kumarpur Ghat. Many fishermen are also secretly selling mother hilsha from their own homes. This is causing extreme damage to the breeding of hilsha. Meanwhile, fishermen claim that they are defying the ban and catching fish because they are struggling to run their families.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, fishermen said, "Due to poverty and hardship in our families, we are catching fish despite the ban. The government has not provided us with any substantial support; they have only fulfilled their duty by giving 25 kgs of rice, and even then, not all of our names are on the list." Therefore, they are compelled to catch mother hilsha.