BNP Leader Caught Stealing Fish from Government Pond

Local Correspondent

A BNP leader has been caught red-handed stealing fish from a government pond belonging to the Water Development Board (WDB) in Jamalpur.

The incident occurred early Saturday morning in the Fulbaria area of the city. The main accused is SM Apple Mahmud, senior joint general secretary of BNP’s Ward No. 7 in Jamalpur Municipality.

WDB officials reported that Mahmud arrived with 10-12 fishermen at dawn and began illegally netting fish from the pond. When confronted by WDB staff, Mahmud allegedly threatened them. Officials called the national emergency helpline 999, but before police arrived, the BNP leader had already taken the fish.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Md. Ashraf confirmed that by the time police reached the scene, the fishing was complete and nets were being loaded onto a van. The nets were returned after WDB officials agreed, but legal action will be taken if a formal complaint is filed.

WDB Executive Engineer Md. Nokibuzzaman Khan stated that fish fry were released in the pond just three months ago and hadn’t yet matured for harvesting.

When questioned by journalists, Mahmud claimed: “I was releasing fish into that pond, not taking them. There’s no problem with catching or releasing fish.” He later became agitated with reporters.

BNP’s district general secretary Shah Md. Wares Ali Mamun distanced the party from the incident, stating: “BNP won’t bear responsibility for any member’s personal misconduct.”

Though no written complaint has been filed yet, WDB authorities warned of legal action after Eid.