DHAKA, Feb 5, 2026 (BSS) - Naval Police have seized a massive quantity of illegal fishing nets and fish and detained 265 people during a week-long nationwide drive aimed at protecting fisheries and ensuring security on waterways.

During the seven-day operation, the specialised force seized about 4.16 crore metres of prohibited nets, 9,347 kilograms of fish and around 50,000 fish fry, said a press release issued by the Naval Police Headquarters today.

As part of the drive, Naval Police teams destroyed 300 illegal man-made brush shelters that were obstructing fish movement in rivers and water bodies. They also seized two dredgers and took legal action against 87 bulkheads for operating without valid documents.

A total of 82 cases were filed during the period, including 50 under the Fisheries Act, 23 for reckless speeding and others related to illegal sand mining, narcotics, extortion and theft. Two bodies were also recovered during the operations.

The seized illegal nets were destroyed as per existing laws, while the recovered fish fry were released back into the water. Other seized fish were distributed among orphanages and social welfare institutions.

The Naval Police said such operations will continue across the country to maintain law and order on waterways and conserve national fish resources.