Photo : BSS

PATUAKHALI, Nov 30, 2025 (BSS) - The district administration today seized 498 kilograms of shapla pata maach (lotus leaf fish) from a Dhaka-Bauphal-bound bus in Bauphal upazila as part of a crackdown on illegal wildlife trafficking.

The seizure took place around 12 noon in front of Bauphal Police Station, during a joint operation led by the district administration and the Forest Department.

Officials said the fish-classified as a protected species-were being smuggled into Bauphal from Dhaka. Under the Wildlife Conservation and Safety Act, 2012, catching, killing, transporting or marketing shapla pata fish is strictly prohibited.

Baufal Forest Department official Badiuzzaman Sohag said the raid was conducted following secret intelligence. "After searching the bus and confirming the information, we seized the illegal Shapla leaf fish. Legal action is under process," he said.

Baufal Police Station Officer-in-Charge (Investigation) Atiqul Islam also confirmed that a case is being processed in connection with the incident.

Authorities said further investigations are underway to identify those involved in the smuggling network.