CHATTOGRAM, Aug 20, 2026 (BSS) - The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) has launched a campaign to remove illegal fishing nets from the navigation channel and outer anchorage of Chattogram Port to ensure safe and uninterrupted movement of commercial vessels.

The operation was conducted on Wednesday and Thursday by the port authority's vessel Kandari-12 and four local boats in the main shipping channel and outer anchorage area. A vessel and a boat of the Bangladesh Coast Guard also joined the operation.

CPA Secretary Sayed Refyet Hamim said 17 twine nets, 13 tong nets and a large quantity of equipment used to install different types of fishing nets were seized and removed from the outer anchorage during the drive.

He said the illegal nets were obstructing vessel movement and creating serious risks to navigational safety.

"By removing the illegal nets, we ensured sufficient space for vessels to move safely through the main shipping channel and navigational routes," he said.

The seized nets were later destroyed by burning, while fishing boats found in the navigational route were instructed to leave the area. Fishermen were also warned against installing nets in the channel and advised to refrain from any activity that could obstruct vessel movement.

Earlier, on August 15, the CPA and Bangladesh Coast Guard conducted a joint operation to ensure safe and uninterrupted navigation at the country's premier maritime gateway. The drive included the removal of illegal fishing nets as well as surveillance in the main channel and outer anchorage of the Karnaphuli River.

The operation was carried out with the participation of CPA vessels BLV Lusai and BLV Ali.

Port sources said the joint monitoring and operations by the CPA and Bangladesh Coast Guard will continue to maintain navigational safety, prevent obstructions to vessel movement and curb illegal activities in the Karnaphuli channel and outer anchorage areas.