Chattogram, Oct 11 (V7N) – Bangladesh Navy has seized illegal fishing nets worth nearly Taka 7 crore in Chandpur during its ongoing operation to protect mother hilsa during the breeding season.
A Navy contingent in Chandpur, under the Commander Chattogram Naval Area, conducted the drives today in Anandabazar, Dashadi Khal, Shahar Mali, Lalpur, No. 3 Koila Ghat, Chandpur estuary, Gajir Tek, Miar Bazar, Kanudi, Amirabad and adjacent areas, according to an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate press release issued this evening.
During the operations, naval personnel seized nets used for illegal fishing in defiance of the government-imposed ban. The seized nets were subsequently destroyed in the presence of local administration and fisheries officials, the release said.
So far, the Navy has seized 714,870 metres of illegal fishing nets and 22 additional nets, with an estimated market value of Taka 69,986,900.
The mother hilsa conservation drive began on October 8 and will continue until October 29, 2026. During this period, catching, transporting, storing, buying, selling and exchanging hilsa are strictly prohibited.
The Navy continues its operations in coastal waters and inland rivers to ensure the safe breeding and reproduction of hilsa, prevent illegal fishing and protect the country's aquatic resources, the ISPR added.
The government imposes a ban on hilsa fishing during the breeding season each year to protect the species and ensure its sustainable population. Mother hilsa are particularly vulnerable during this period, and the ban allows them to spawn and reproduce without interference. The Navy and other law enforcement agencies conduct regular operations to enforce the ban and prevent illegal fishing. Hilsa is Bangladesh's national fish and a major source of income for thousands of fishermen and a significant export earner for the country.
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