DHAKA, Oct 16, 2025 (BSS) - As part of the nationwide "Maa Hilsa Conservation Campaign-2025", River Police has arrested 1275 people and seized around 19 crore meters of illegal fishing nets, a huge quantity of fish and several hundred fishing boats were seized in the past 12 days.
  
"A total of 1275 people were arrested from October 4 till the date from across the country on charges of fishing ignoring the ban," said a press release of the River Police.
  
Around 19 crore meters of illegal fishing nets, 15,796 kg of fish and 506 boats were seized during the period, it also said. 
 
During the period, the River Police had conducted operations of 421 mobile courts across the country. As many as 278 cases were lodged. 

The seized illegal fishing nets were destroyed and the fish were distributed to local orphanages.

The government has earlier announced a ban on transportation, storage, purchase and sale, processing, marketing and exchange of Hilsha fish until October 25 next from October 4 as part of the Maa Hilsa Conservation Campaign-2025.