Chandpur, April 16 -- Mobile courts on Thursday sentenced nine fishermen to different jail terms after 16 were arrested for catching jatka in violation of restrictions in the Padma-Meghna river sanctuary area of Chandpur Sadar upazila.

The remaining seven detainees, all minors, were released after giving undertakings, officials said.

The operation was conducted from 12pm to 5pm in several areas of the sanctuary, including Baharia, Lakshmipur, Dokanghar, Rajrajeshwar and nearby locations, said Chandpur Sadar Upazila Assistant Fisheries Officer Md Mizanur Rahman.

He said the joint task force arrested the fishermen for illegally catching jatka (juvenile hilsa) during the ongoing ban period.

During the drive, authorities seized four engin...