File Photo

DHAKA, March 5, 2026 (BSS) - The River Police have seized a large quantity of 
banned fishing equipment and aquatic resources and arrested 281 people during 
a weeklong nationwide operation aimed at protecting the country's fisheries 
resources and ensuring safety on waterways.

According to a press release, in the past seven days the River Police 
confiscated 39,723,523 meters of illegal fishing nets, 4,501 kilograms of 
fish, 56,000 fish fry, and 350 kilograms of jellied shrimp. 

During the drive, authorities also removed and destroyed 373 riverine bushes 
used for illegal fishing activities.

As part of the enforcement actions, prosecution was filed against 95 
bulkheads in the Naval Court, and four dredgers were seized.

During the operations, a total of 71 cases were filed against offenders. 

These include 47 cases under the Fisheries Act, nine for reckless speeding, 
eight related to unintentional death, two under the Sand Mahal Act, two for 
river pollution, and one case each for theft, narcotics, and murder.

Authorities confirmed that 281 accused were arrested, while five dead bodies 
were also recovered during the operations.

The seized illegal fishing nets and jellied shrimp were destroyed. 

The remaining fish were distributed to orphanages, while the fish fry were 
released back into the water to support the conservation of aquatic 
resources.

River Police officials said such operations will continue across the country 
to curb illegal fishing and protect the nation's waterways and fisheries.