Staff Correspondent

The Bangladesh Navy has concluded its 22-day ‘Mother Hilsa Conservation Drive-2026’, seizing 570kg illegally netted mother hilsa, over 8.4 million metres of illegal fishing nets, and 166 other types of prohibited nets, as well as four boats, said a press release issued on Friday.

The drive, conducted under the ‘In Aid to Civil Power’ framework, ended on Thursday after beginning on October 8 in line with the government’s 22-day fishing ban to protect the safe breeding and reproduction of hilsa.

During the campaign, the Navy conducted 212 operations and collected Tk 6,000 in fines. The total estimated value of the seized items was Tk 61.18 crore, according to a Navy press release issued on Friday.

To implement the campaign, the Navy carried out regular patrols and surveillance in nine districts using seven ships and contingents.

Round-the-clock monitoring was maintained in the deep sea through naval ships and maritime patrol aircraft to prevent illegal entry by domestic and foreign fishing vessels and fishing during the prohibited period.

Naval boats and contingents also carried out conservation activities in the sea, coastal areas and inland rivers, including major hilsa breeding grounds.

The operations were conducted in coordination with local administrations, other law enforcement agencies, the Bangladesh Coast Guard, river police and the Department of Fisheries to prevent illegal hilsa fishing.

The seized illegal nets were destroyed in the presence of local administration officials, while seized jatka (juvenile hilsa) were donated to local orphanages.

People who violated the fishing ban and boats used for fishing were handed over to local administrations for legal action. The Navy also conducted awareness campaigns to encourage compliance with the restrictions.

The Navy said such operations, carried out in line with the government's directives, help create a favourable environment for uninterrupted breeding and reproduction of mother hilsa and contribute to increasing the country's hilsa production.

With the fishing ban now over, fishermen can resume their regular fishing activities and livelihoods. The campaign is also expected to support the conservation and sustainable management of marine and inland fisheries resources.