File photo

DHAKA, Apr 9, 2026 (BSS) - In a series of nationwide operations over the past seven days, River Police arrested 403 individuals and seized large quantities of illegal fishing equipment, fishes, and shrimp fry as part of efforts to protect the country's fisheries and ensure security on waterways.

During the drive, 3,60,88,775 meters of banned fishing nets, 5,177 kg of fish, 410,000 shrimp fry, and 305 kg of jelly-injected shrimp were seized, according to a press release. 

Additionally, 339 illegal bushes were removed from the river.

Authorities filed prosecutions against 81 bulkhead vessels for lacking valid documents and seized eight dredgers during the operation.

A total of 103 cases were filed, including 70 under fisheries laws, 16 for reckless navigation, and others involving drugs, theft, piracy, and murder. Six bodies were recovered.

Confiscated illegal nets and jelly-injected shrimp were destroyed, while the recovered shrimp fry were released back into water bodies. The remaining fishes were distributed among orphanages.

Officials said such drives will continue to safeguard fisheries resources and maintain law and order on waterways.