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DHAKA, Apr 2, 2026 (BSS) - The River Police conducted nationwide operations over the past seven days to protect the country’s fisheries resources and ensure security on waterways, resulting in the arrest of 163 individuals and the seizure of a large quantity of illegal fishing equipment and fish.

According to a press release, a total of 31,941,610 meters of illegal nets, 3,664 kilograms of fish, and 30 kilograms of jelly-injected shrimp were seized during the operations. Additionally, 484 river bushes were destroyed.

During the drive, legal action was taken against 33 bulkhead vessels for operating without valid documents, with prosecution filed in the naval court.

In total, 59 cases were filed over the week, including 39 under fisheries laws, five for reckless navigation, one related to sand extraction, one narcotics case, one under the Special Powers Act, and two murder cases.

The River Police also recovered 43 bodies during the operations.

Authorities stated that the seized illegal nets and jelly-injected shrimp were destroyed, while the remaining fishes were distributed to orphanages.

The River Police reaffirmed its commitment to continuing such drive to safeguard fisheries resources and maintain law and order on the country’s waterways.