Illegal dragnets worth Tk514cr seized in fisheries conservation drive

The Bangladesh Navy has seized over 3.40 lakh metres of illegal dragnets worth around Tk514.68 crore since the 'Jatka Killing Prevention Programme-2026' had begun on 15 February.

Besides, 861 banned nets of different types, 37 kilograms of jatka and one boat were confiscated during the period, said an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release today.

It said special drives across the country are underway to conserve fisheries resources, particularly for safe fish breeding and marine biodiversity protection.

Under the Jatka conservation programme, coordinated drives are being conducted in Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Chandpur, Khulna, Bagerhat, Barisal, Patuakhali, Pirojpur and Barguna.

However, a 58-day fishing ban in the Bay of Bengal is also underway, beginning from 15 April.

To enforce the 58-day fishing ban in the Bay of Bengal, three Navy ships have been deployed. So far, authorities have seized 23,500 metres of illegal nets worth about Tk27.40 lakh and 41 prohibited nets during the operation.

The ISPR said Bangladesh Navy personnel are maintaining round-the-clock surveillance through ships, crafts and maritime patrol aircrafts to prevent illegal fishing by local and foreign vessels in the deep sea.

In addition, under the 'Special Combing Operation-2026' conducted in 16 coastal districts from 1 January to 23 March, illegal nets worth approximately Tk158.32 crore, 2,357 banned nets, five boats and 903 kilograms of jatka were seized.

The ongoing Navy operations will continue until 15 May 2026, the release added.