Coast Guard detains 17 fishermen, seizes illegal nets in Chandpur
The Bangladesh Coast Guard detained 17 fishermen and seized illegal fishing equipment during an operation on Wednesday in the Meghna River estuary near Chandpur.
Coast Guard Station Chandpur conducted the operation at around 8:00am as part of a nationwide campaign to protect mother hilsa during the breeding season, Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haque confirmed at noon.
Under the Fish Protection and Conservation Act 1950, the government has imposed a 22-day ban—from 4 October to 25 October 2025—on catching, transporting, storing, marketing, buying and selling hilsa to ensure successful breeding.
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During the raid, the Coast Guard seized 30,000 metres of illegal current nets, valued at approximately Tk10.5 lakh. They also confiscated 20 kilogrammes of hilsa, worth about Tk20,000, and two engine-driven wooden boats.
One of the detained fishermen, who was under 18, was released to his guardian after signing an undertaking. The seized nets were destroyed in the presence of the Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer, while the confiscated fish were distributed to a local madrasa. The boats and the remaining 16 fishermen were handed over to Chandpur Sadar Police Station for legal action.
Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haque stated that the Coast Guard will continue such drives to protect the country's fish resources.
