High Court Orders Judicial Inquiry Into Alleged Seizure and Misappropriation of Hilsa Shipment in Bhola
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The Bangladesh High Court has ordered a judicial inquiry into the disappearance of a shipment of Hilsa fish worth nearly 10 million taka, which was seized in Bhola despite the traders possessing valid transportation permits. The bench, comprising Justice Khizir Ahmed Choudhury and Justice Md. Ziaul Haque, issued the directive following a preliminary hearing on a writ petition filed by a group of aggrieved traders.
The court has mandated that the investigation be led by a judicial officer with a rank no lower than that of an Additional District Judge. The panel, overseen by the secretaries of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Fisheries, alongside the Directorate General of the Coast Guard, is tasked with identifying the individuals responsible for the illicit disposal or misappropriation of the cargo. The committee is required to submit its findings to the court within 30 days.
বিজ্ঞাপন
According to the legal representatives for the petitioners, the incident originated on May 12 when Coast Guard South Zone personnel intercepted three trucks carrying 155 crates of high-quality Hilsa near the Kalinath Bazar area in Bhola. Despite the shipment being valued at over 9.4 million taka and supported by legitimate transport documentation, the cargo was seized. Allegations have since emerged that under the guise of donating the fish to religious institutions and orphanages, the majority of the haul was looted, with claims that a significant portion was transported to Barishal and sold for illicit profit.
The legal action follows an initial attempt by the affected fish traders to seek redress through administrative channels. After a local report published on May 20 highlighted the discrepancy, 11 traders led by Kamal Majhi petitioned the Ministry of Home Affairs on June 3 for the recovery of the goods and disciplinary action against those involved. Receiving no response, the traders proceeded to file the current writ petition.
বিজ্ঞাপন
Beyond the investigation order, the High Court issued a rule asking the relevant authorities—including the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Coast Guard, and officials from the fisheries and home ministries—to explain why their failure to follow legal procedures in the seizure and subsequent disposal of the goods should not be declared illegal. The court expects a formal response from these officials as the inquiry progresses.
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