The Bangladesh Navy has launched a rigorous surveillance and enforcement campaign across the country’s seas, rivers, and coastal regions to implement the ‘Mother Hilsa Conservation Drive 2025’ during the peak hilsa breeding season.
The 22-day campaign, running from October 4 to October 25, strictly prohibits the catching, transportation, storage, sale, and exchange of hilsa and all other types of fish.
As part of the government’s nationwide conservation initiative, 17 naval warships have been deployed under the “In Aid to Civil Power” framework across nine districts—Chandpur, Cox’s Bazar, Khulna, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Barguna, Barishal, and Patuakhali—to ensure full enforcement of the fishing ban.
According to a Navy press release issued on Saturday (October 4), five warships—BNS Atandra, Shaheed Mohibullah, Durjoy, Sagor, and Shaheed Daulat—have been stationed in Cox’s Bazar for this special operation.
Deployment by Area:
- Chandpur: BNS Dhansiri/Shaheed Farid, BNDB Gangchil
- Cox’s Bazar: BNS Atandra, Shaheed Mohibullah, Durjoy, Sagor, Shaheed Daulat
- Khulna: BNS Meghna, Chitra/Titas
- Bagerhat: BNS Kortoa, Abu Bakar/Durgom
- Pirojpur & Barguna: BNS Salam, Kushiyara
- Barishal: BNS Padma, Chitra/Titas
- Patuakhali: LCVP-013
The Navy said its ships, crafts, and boats are conducting round-the-clock patrols. In contrast, warships and modern maritime patrol aircraft are being used to strengthen surveillance and curb illegal fishing by both local and foreign trawlers in deep seas.
The local administration, the Coast Guard, the Naval Police, and the Department of Fisheries are closely coordinating the operation.
The Navy also warned that strict legal measures will be taken against anyone involved in illegal fishing, alongside awareness campaigns to educate fishermen and coastal residents.
The Navy emphasised that it remains fully committed to ensuring the safe breeding of hilsa, the country’s national fish.
The ongoing drive is expected to play a vital role in boosting hilsa stocks and enriching Bangladesh’s overall fisheries resources.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Collected
