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DHAKA, Jan 1, 2026 (BSS) - The River Police have intensified nationwide operations over the past eight days to protect fisheries resources and ensure safety on the country’s waterways, resulting in major seizures and arrests.

During the operations, they recovered a total of 3.61 lakh meters of illegal fishing nets, 2,715 kg of fish and 1,550 kg of jellied shrimps were seized, while 379 bushes used for illegal fishing activities were destroyed from rivers, said a press release of the force.

Legal action was also taken against 67 bulkheads which were produced before the Naval Court for failing to carry valid documents.

According to official sources, 165 individuals were arrested during the eight-day operation. A total of 29 cases were filed, including15 cases under the Fisheries Act, five under the Reckless Speeding Act, two cases of unintentional death, two rape cases,  one under the Naval Accident Act,  one under the Special Powers Act, one under the Maritime Act, and two  murder cases. 

Additionally, 14 dead bodies were recovered during the operations.

The River Police stated that all seized illegal nets and jellied shrimps were destroyed in accordance with the law, while the recovered fish were distributed to orphanages.

Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to continuing such operations to safeguard aquatic resources, enforce maritime laws, and maintain security on the nation’s waterways.