The "China net"—also known as the "magic net"—is essentially a specialized type of trap. Measuring 60 to 80 feet in length, it features a structure of small, compartment-like pockets. Fish of all sizes—large and small—inhabiting canals, wetlands, rivers, and other water bodies get trapped in it. It is a common sight to see these "China magic" nets and "current nets" being used for fishing in various wetland areas. Gopalganj district is no exception to this trend. Much like in other upazilas of the district, the use of "China magic nets" and "current nets" in the canals, wetlands, rivers, and water bodies of Kotalipara Upazila is leading to the indiscriminate slaughter of various fish species and aquatic creatures. Consequently, a wide range of aquatic life is constantly being killed, including egg-bearing fish and species such as Shol, Taki, Koi, Puti, Shing, Tengra, Khalisha, Ritha, Bain, Kuche, crabs, Chela, Chuchra, Royna, Tilapia, Magur, small shrimp, Pangas, Rui, Katla, and Ayre (including fry), as well as Bajuri, Pabda, Dhela, Baila, Batasa, and others.
Despite regular raids conducted by the Fisheries Office, its use shows no signs of decreasing.
Several concerned local citizens, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that these nets are used to catch fish of all sizes in the upazila’s canals, wetlands, and farmlands, leading to a decline in fish stocks in open water bodies. Merely conducting inspections and raids by the Fisheries Department is insufficient to halt the use of “China Magic Nets”; the sale of these nets in local markets must be stopped. Otherwise, fish and aquatic resources will be destroyed.
On-the-spot observations reveal that fishing is being carried out in various wetland areas using “China Magic” nets and “Current” nets. Specifically, these China Magic nets are being used to catch various species of fish and aquatic creatures across waterbodies, canals, ponds, and drainage ditches in the Ramshil, Kalabari, Radhaganj, Amtali, Sadullapur, Bandhabari, Kandi, and Kushla unions of the upazila.
When askedr, S.M. Shahjahan Siraj (Apu), the Senior Fisheries Officer of Kotalipara Upazila, said that—under the directives of the District Fisheries Officer and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer—the Upazila Fisheries Office regularly conducts raids to seize government-banned “China magic nets” and “current nets” from various wetlands, water bodies, and markets across the upazila; these are then brought to the Upazila Parishad premises and burned.
Kotalipara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sagufta Haque said that unscrupulous fishermen indiscriminately catch all types of fish—including brood fish and fry—using “magic nets.” In the process, they also trap various aquatic creatures, such as frogs and snakes. It is essential for everyone to become aware of this issue and to raise awareness among others. Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer S.M. Shahjahan Siraj (Apu) is leading ongoing drives by the Fisheries Department against the use of “China magic nets” and “current nets,” both of which are banned by the government; these enforcement operations will continue.
