Bangladesh Navy has seized illegal fishing nets worth approximately Tk 25.78 crore across coastal and inland waters during its ongoing 'Mother Hilsa Conservation Drive-2026', ISPR said in a press release on Monday.
As part of the nationwide operation deployed under 'In Aid to Civil Power', navy ship 'BNS Kushiyara' conducted drives across Hijla, Mehendiganj, Gobindapur, Laharhat, Babuganj, Charmonai, Sreepur, and Patarhat in Barishal district.
During the operation, illegal fishing gear was confiscated and later destroyed in accordance with regulations in the presence of local administrative and fisheries officials.
To date, naval units have seized a total of 3,031,620 meters of illegal fishing nets along with 74 other nets, with an estimated market value of Tk 25,78,96,900.
The 22-day national drive, which began on October 8, will continue until October 29.
During this period, catching, transporting, storing, selling, and exchanging Hilsa is strictly prohibited, alongside a complete ban on all fishing in marine waters.
Navy ships, contingents, and speedboats remain deployed across potential spawning grounds in sea, coastal, and inland waterways to ensure undisturbed breeding and conservation of Hilsa resources.