DHAKA, Feb 26, 2026 (BSS) - The River Police conducted a series of nationwide operations over the past seven days to safeguard the country's fisheries resources and ensure safety on waterways, resulting in significant seizures of illegal fishing nets and 306 arrests.

During the drives, law enforcement officers recovered a staggering 5,65,93,115 meters of banned illegal nets, 3,993 kilograms of fish, 7,200 fish fry, and 80 kilograms of jellied shrimp, a press release of the force said.

Additionally, 310 illegal bushes were removed from various rivers as part of the operation. Legal action was taken against 103 bulkheads in the Naval Court, while four dredgers involved in illegal activities were seized.

In total, 306 individuals were arrested in connection with various offenses. 

Authorities filed 92 cases, including 56 under the Fisheries Act, 24 under the Reckless Driving Act, nine related to unintentional deaths, and one case each concerning Sand Mahal violations, river pollution, and theft.

The River Police also recovered 11 dead bodies during the weeklong operations.

As part of environmental protection measures, the seized illegal nets and jellied shrimp were destroyed. 

The recovered fish fry were released back into the water to replenish natural stocks, while the remaining fish were distributed to local orphanages.

Officials stated that such operations will continue in the coming weeks to combat illegal fishing practices and maintain law and order on the country's waterways.