Barishal:The Bangladesh Navy has carried out a significant operation to seize illegal fishing nets in the rivers and coastal areas of Barishal, aimed at protecting brood hilsa. The naval vessel BNS Kushiyara conducted this operation across multiple locations, including Hijla, Mehendiganj, Gobindapur, Laharhat, Babuganj, Char Monai, Sreepur, and Paterhat within Barishal district.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the nets and other equipment were confiscated while illegal fishing activities were underway, in violation of an existing ban. The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) reported that the seized items were subsequently destroyed in adherence to regulations, with local administrative and fisheries officials present.
In these operations, the authorities have so far seized and destroyed over 3 million meters of illegal nets, along with 74 other nets, collectively valued at approximately Tk 257,896,900. These efforts are part of the "Mother Hilsa Conservation Operation 2026," which falls under the "In Aid to Civil Power" initiative, launched to protect hilsa breeding, a vital national resource.
The Navy's operations have been ongoing since October 8 and involve the use of naval vessels, contingents, and speedboats. These drives are set to continue until October 29, during which time the catching, transporting, storing, buying, selling, and exchanging of hilsa is strictly prohibited. Additionally, fishing for all species is banned in designated marine fishing areas. The Bangladesh Navy remains committed to safeguarding hilsa breeding and reproduction, preventing illegal fishing, and conserving the country's marine and inland water resources.