Dhaka, Sept. 25 -- The century-old Charanbeel, a significant natural wetland in Kalihatiupazila of Tangail, is facing an ecological crisis. Once home to dozens of native fish species, the beel is now overrun by illegal fishing practices, especially the widespread use of banned China Dhoari nets.
Despite a six-month annual ban on fishing to protect the ecosystem, enforcement is weak. Currently, over 2,000 illegal nets remain active around the clock, threatening fish reproduction. The once-thriving biodiversity is rapidly disappearing.
Around 230 licensed fishermen and hundreds of others from nearby villages depend on this beel for their livelihood. Once rich in fish like bata, rita, boal, chingri, koi, magur, and baim, the wetland now yiel...