General
Illegal Fishing Nets Worth Tk 6.99 Crore Seized During Mother Hilsa Conservation Drive in Chandpur
Translated by Desk Report
The Bangladesh Navy has continued its operations in Chandpur to ensure the safe spawning and reproduction of mother hilsa.
On Sunday (October 11), a large quantity of illegal fishing nets was seized during operations conducted in different rivers and adjoining areas of the district.
A total of 714,870 metres of illegal fishing nets, along with 22 additional nets, were seized during separate operations in areas under the Navy's responsibility. The estimated market value of the seized nets stands at Tk 6,99,86,900 (approximately Tk 6.99 crore).
In accordance with government directives, the Bangladesh Navy is conducting these operations under the "In Aid to Civil Power" framework as part of the implementation of the "Mother Hilsa Conservation Drive 2026".
As part of the ongoing campaign, members of the Navy contingent in Chandpur, operating under the Commander Chattogram Naval Area, carried out operations in Anandabazar, Dashadi Khal, Shahor Mali, Lalpur, No. 3 Koyla Ghat, Chandpur Mohona, Gazir Tek, Miar Bazar, Kanudi, Amirabad and surrounding areas.
During the operations, Navy personnel seized nets being used for illegal fishing in violation of the government-imposed ban. The confiscated nets were subsequently destroyed in accordance with the relevant regulations in the presence of local administration officials and fisheries officers.
According to Navy sources, security measures have been strengthened at important hilsa breeding grounds across the country's seas, coastal regions and inland rivers during the spawning season.
Regular operations are being conducted using naval vessels, various contingents and boats. The objective is to prevent illegal fishing and ensure the uninterrupted spawning and reproduction of mother hilsa during the breeding season.
The Mother Hilsa Conservation Drive, which began on October 8, will continue until October 29, 2026.
During this period, the catching, transportation, storage, purchase, sale and exchange of hilsa are strictly prohibited. In addition, a ban on catching all species of fish remains in force in designated marine fishing areas.
The Navy's operations form part of ongoing efforts to prevent illegal fishing and conserve the country's marine and inland aquatic resources.
Coordinated efforts involving the relevant administrative authorities, the Department of Fisheries and law enforcement agencies are playing an important role in enforcing the restrictions.
Officials and stakeholders hope that compliance with the government-imposed ban, together with continued monitoring, will ensure the safe spawning and reproduction of mother hilsa.
These measures are expected to contribute positively to increased hilsa production in the future and the long-term conservation of Bangladesh's fisheries resources.
