DHAKA, Jan 22, 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 the seizure of a massive quantity of illegal fishing materials and the arrest of 253 individuals.

During the operations, the Naval Police recovered a total of 3,69,23,527 meters of illegal fishing nets, 4,634 kg of fish, 1,200 pieces of Bagda renu (shrimp fry), and 300 kg of jellied shrimp, according to a press release of the force. 

In addition, 247 bushes used for illegal fishing activities were destroyed from various rivers.

As part of enforcement actions, prosecution was filed against 87 bulkheads in the Naval Court, while two dredgers were seized for operating without valid documents.

Law enforcement efforts during the seven-day period led to the filing of 62 cases, including 35 under the Fisheries Act, 7 under the Reckless Speeding Act, 7 cases of Unintentional Death, 5 Sand Castle-related cases, 2 Theft cases, and one case each under the Gambling Act, Narcotics Act, and Extortion Act, along with 3 murder cases.

 Authorities also recovered eight bodies during the operations.

According to the River Police, all seized illegal nets and jellied shrimp were destroyed. 

The remaining fish were released back into the water, with a portion distributed to orphanages as part of humanitarian efforts.

The River Police reaffirmed their commitment to continuing strict operations to safeguard aquatic resources and maintain law and order across the nation’s waterways.