DHAKA, Aug 7, 2025 (BSS) - In the past week's nationwide operation,, the River Police arrested 222 crime suspects and seized a huge quantity of illegal fishing nets as part of the government's initiative to protect fishery resources and ensure safety on the waterways.

A total of 2.99 crore meters of illegal nets, 2,613 kg of fish, and 320 kg of jellied shrimp were seized, and 281 bushes were destroyed along riverbanks during the drive. In total, 222 people were arrested on various criminal charges.

A total of 90 cases were filed in these connections. Fifty three cases under the Fisheries Act, 12 for reckless driving, seven for unintentional deaths, three under the Narcotics Control Act, four for illegal sand extraction, one under the Marine Fisheries Act, one for fraudulence, four for murder, two for theft, and three under other laws.

Police Superintendent (Media) Marufa Yasmin confirmed the arrests and seizures.

During the operation, 14 bodies were also recovered from rivers across different parts of the country.

Additionally, 58 cases were filed against bulkhead operators, and four dredgers were seized for operating without valid documents.

The seized illegal nets have been destroyed, while the confiscated fish were distributed to orphanages and fish fry were released into water bodies.