DHAKA, April 16, 2026 (BSS) - In a nationwide crackdown aimed at protecting fisheries and ensuring security on waterways, the River Police conducted a series of drive over the past seven days, leading to the arrest of 279 individuals and the seizure of a large quantity of illegal fishing equipment and aquatic resources.

During the drive, authorities recovered approximately 43.27 million meters of banned nets, 4,158 kilograms of fish, 657,000 shrimp larvae, 15,000 bagda shrimp fry, and 1,328 kilograms of jelly-injected shrimp.

Additionally, 133 illegal brush piles were removed from the rivers, which were being used for fishing.

River Police also filed prosecution cases against 83 bulkheads for operating without valid documentation.

Over the week-long operation, a total of 69 cases were filed, including 46 under fisheries laws, 9 for reckless navigation, and others related to sand extraction, drugs, theft, special powers, and kidnapping.

Additionally, 12 bodies were recovered from various river areas.

Authorities reported that all seized illegal nets and chemically treated shrimp were destroyed, while the seized shrimp larvae were released back into the river. 

The remaining fishes were distributed to local orphanages.

Officials stated that such drives will continue to safeguard the country's fisheries resources and maintain law and order on waterways.