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DHAKA, Jan 15, 2026 (BSS) - The River Police have intensified nationwide operations over the past seven days to protect fisheries resources and ensure safety on the country's waterways, resulting in significant seizures and arrests.

During the operations, River Police seized a total of 3,08,59,395 meters of illegal fishing nets, along with 3,574 kg of fish, 20 kg of crabs, and 80 kg of jellied shrimps, according to a press release of the force.

Additionally, 260 illegal bushes used for fishing were destroyed from river areas. Two dredgers were also seized as part of the enforcement drive.

Legal action was initiated against 89 bulkheads in the Naval Court. Over the seven-day period, 254 accused persons were arrested, and 70 cases were registered. 

These include 53 cases under the Fisheries Act, 11 under the Reckless Driving Act, and one case each of Unnatural Death, Sand Mahal, kidnapping, and murder, along with two Narcotics cases. 

The River Police also recovered four dead bodies during the operations.

Authorities stated that all seized illegal nets and jellied shrimps were destroyed in accordance with regulations. The confiscated crabs were released back into the water, while the remaining fish were distributed to orphanages.