The Fisheries Department of Hathazari upazila conducted a special operation in the Halda River and they confiscated 3500 meters of illegal nets and 12 fishing rods. Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS) - The Fisheries Department of Hathazari upazila conducted a special operation in the Halda River, known as the sole natural fish breeding ground in South Asia. During the operation, they confiscated 3500 meters of illegal nets and 12 fishing rods.
 
The raid took place from Masuaghona to Nazirhat of the Haladar estuary of the Nazirhat Halda River in Hathazari upazila. It was carried out from early morning until 11 am on Saturday.
 
 
Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer of Hathazari, Md. Shoukat Ali, confirmed that a total of 3500 meters of char-enclosed nets and 12 fishing rods were seized during the operation on Saturday.
 
The confiscated nets have been stored at a temporary naval police camp along the Halda River. They are set to be destroyed at a later date, as confirmed by the officer. Shoukat Ali mentioned that continuous monitoring and operations are in place to protect the natural breeding grounds of carp fish in the Halda River. This river also supports dolphins and a variety of aquatic life at the Fisheries Heritage site.