Ansar-VDP Action Saves 600 Bighas of Aman Crop in Jashore

A prompt intervention by members of Bangladesh’s Ansar and Village Defence Party (Ansar-VDP) has helped protect nearly 600 bighas of Aman paddy and safeguard aquatic resources in Keshabpur upazila of Jashore.

The affected farmland is located around Padma Beel and Marshina Beel in Satbaria Union, where heavy rainfall and waterlogging had threatened to submerge the standing Aman crop.

The crisis was reportedly worsened by bamboo barriers and fishing nets installed across a canal at Komorpur by some fishermen, obstructing the normal flow of water and delaying drainage.

After being informed of the situation, local Ansar-VDP members moved to the area and removed the obstructions, reopening the canal to facilitate the drainage of excess water.

The operation was led by Ansar-VDP team leaders Md Ali Hossain, Md Talib Hossain and Md Rajibul Islam, along with Ansar Commander Md Yasin Ali.

The members also recovered a large quantity of illegal Chinese fishing nets, locally known as China Duari nets, from different parts of the wetlands. Around 4,000 metres of the nets were destroyed at the site.

Officials said removing the illegal nets would help protect fish fry and other aquatic species while contributing to the conservation of wetland biodiversity.

The Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer and agriculture officials later visited the area and witnessed the operation. They praised the Ansar-VDP members for their timely initiative in protecting both agricultural land and aquatic resources.

Local farmers said the intervention came at a crucial moment and helped avert potentially significant crop losses.

The incident highlights the role grassroots community-based forces can play in protecting agricultural production, rural livelihoods and aquatic ecosystems alongside their traditional responsibilities for maintaining public safety and order.