The Forest Department arrested 24 fishermen from Katka sanctuary in Sharankhola upazila of Bagerhat district for catching fish illegally, violating the ongoing three-month ban in the Sundarbans.
Mohammad Belayet Hossain, Divisional Forest Officer of Sundarbans East Zone, said the forest officials conducted a drive in the area in the morning and arrested 24 fishermen along with 12 banned current nets and four trawlers.
All the arrestees were from Patharghata upazila in Barguna district.
Legal action has been taken against them under the Forest Act.
A three-month ban on fishing and tourism in the Sundarbans started from June 1 to ensure safe breeding and movement of fish and wild animals.
Also read: 3-month ban on fishing, tourism in Sundarbans begins on June 1
Movement of all types of vessels including boats, fishing trawlers in the rivers and canals as well as the entry of fishermen and honey collectors will remain suspended from June 1 to August 31.
No locals or foreign tourists will be allowed to enter the forest during the period.