Dolphin trapped in fishing net dies in Satkhira

Yet another dolphin was killed after it was caught in a fishing net in Satkhira'sBetna River on Tuesday. Locals informed the authorities after noticing the decomposing dolphin under the Suparighatabridge in Dhulihar union.

However, any officials concerned had yet to visit the spot as of 10am on Wednesday.

Bhaurab Chandra Biswas, former member of Dhulihar union parishad, said the dolphin’s mouth had gotten trapped in a gillnet. The aquatic animal, weighing around 186 kilograms, died while being pulled up by fishermen, he added.

District Animal Resources Officer Dr ATM AbdurRauf said: "I have heard about the dolphin's news from journalists. However, such issues are handled by the Department of Fisheries."

UP member TapanSheel said: “Hundreds of people gathered to see the dolphin. But the carcass is decomposing and emitting a foul smell, so it will be buried soon.”

Around four months ago, a dolphin carcass was found floating in the Betna River in the Gunakarkati area of Asashuniupazila. 

According to the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act 2012, the maximum punishment for killing a dolphin is five years in jail or Tk5 lakh fine. On October 19, the government approved the "Dolphin Conservation Action Plan” to protect the habitat of dolphins in Bangladesh.