Cox's Bazar: Bangladesh Navy has seized 11 boats with 450,000 meters of illegal hilsa nets, 1,200 meters of other nets, and 2,000 kilograms of fish worth over Tk 127.1 million during their drives. The operation was part of a broader effort to enforce fishing bans and protect marine resources in the Bay of Bengal.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Bangladesh Navy ship 'BNS Shaheed Farid' intercepted the fishing boats while patrolling the Cox's Bazar area. This intervention is part of special drives conducted by the Navy to implement the government's ban on all types of fishing by vessels. The 58-day ban aims to prevent the destruction of Jatka (juvenile hilsa) and ensure smooth breeding and production of fish within Bangladesh's maritime boundaries.
During the drive, 120 fishermen were arrested. The seized boats, fish, and nets, along with the fishermen, were handed over to the Bangladesh Coast Guard at Maheshkhali. The ongoing operation has so far resulted in the seizure of illegal nets, Jatka, and fishing nests worth approximately Tk 1724.842 million.
The Navy is committed to conserving the country's marine resources, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring sustainable fish production.