ZCZC
BSS-22
ILLEGAL-FISHING-VESSELS
Govt to investigate entrance of foreign vessels into Bangladesh
DHAKA, Sept 8, 2019 (BSS) – The government has decided to form a probe body
to investigate the motives behind the illegal entrance of two fishing vessels
bearing Cameron flag into the Bangladesh’s maritime boundary.
The Fisheries and Livestock Ministry at its meeting at the conference room
of the ministry today decided to form the probe body with State Minister for
Fisheries and Livestock Ashraf Ali Khasru in the chair.
The meeting was informed that the probe body will be formed within
tomorrow, involving the customs authority, said a handout.
Two fishing vessels bearing Cameron flags- FV Wind Sea and FV Wind View –
earlier entered Karnaphuli River without approval of the Fisheries and
Livestock Ministry, violating the local and international laws.
The two vessels have been anchored in a jetty of Continental Marine
Fisheries Ltd, Chattogram.
With the help of local agent – Intermodal Pvt Limited, FV Wind Sea and FV
Wind View on August 21 last entered the jetty with clearance of the
Chattogram Port Authority for conducting repair works.
Although those were scheduled to leave the port within August 26, the
vassals are still staying in the territory of Bangladesh.
During the meeting, it was said that two fishing vessels took clearance of
the port authority showing fake documents. Bangladesh Marine Fisheries
Academy and Chattogram Port Authority and Coastguard personnel during their
field visit did not find any fault in the vessels that need to be repaired.
The participants of the meeting suggested taking action against the
customs officials involved in giving clearance to the two foreign fishing
vessels considering fake documents.
Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Raisul Alam Mondal, Secretary
(Maritime Affairs Unit) of the Foreign Ministry Rear Admiral (Retd) Md
Khurshed Alam and representatives from the Home Ministry, the Shipping
Ministry, Navy, River Police and Bangladesh Coast Guard were present in the
meeting.
BSS/PR/MRI/RY/1725 hrs